Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy versus robot-assisted simple prostatectomy for large benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials.

Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) and robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) are important approaches for large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), though it is still unclear which is superior. This study aimed to perform a pooled analysis to compare the safety and efficacy profiles of LSP and RASP. We systematically searched the databases of Science, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs, comparing LSP to RASP. The principal outcomes included perioperative, functional and complications variables. The results are presented as odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of dichotomous and continuous variables. Five comparative trials involving 1928 patients were included. RASP demonstrated a shorter length of hospital stay compared to LSP (WMD 1.20 days, 95% CI 0.09, 2.32; p = 0.03). However, there was no difference between the two groups regarding operative time, estimated blood loss, catheterization time and complications. Moreover, RASP had a higher maximum flow rate (Qmax) (WMD - 2.15 mL/s, 95% CI - 3.75, - 0.55; p = 0.0009) and comparable international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and sexual health inventory (SHIM) in men with LSP. The results of this study demonstrated that RASP offered comparable efficacy and safety to LSP, while maintaining a superior perioperative and functional profile. However, treatment selection should also be based on the availability and experience of the operator.