Robotic Radical Perineal Prostatectomy Study

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) was the first approach utilized for the removal of the entire prostate gland for prostate cancer. In the minimally invasive surgery era, the robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) was first described in the early 2000s, and has become the mainstay of prostatectomy in Hong Kong and many parts of the world. Incorporating the robotic technology into the technique of RPP has been studied recently. Some preliminary data showed that such approach resulted in a better functional outcome in continence and erectile function. Our study aims at assessing the safety and effectiveness of robotic RPP in prostate cancer management.

Detailed Description
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Radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) was the first approach utilized for the removal of the entire prostate gland for prostate cancer [1]. It continued to be the favoured approach for radical prostatectomy for several decades before the description of the radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) by Walsh in 1970s, who has refined the anatomical retropubic approach [2]. In the minimally invasive surgery era, the robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) was first described in the early 2000s [3]. With time, the robotic retropubic approach became one of the most common approaches for prostate removal in prostate cancer patients. In parallel with the implementation of robotic surgery in retropubic prostatectomy, a revival in interest was experienced for the RPP approach in its role for the management of localized prostate cancer. In 2003, Resnick reported a cohort of RPP with reasonable operative times and cancer control concluding that the procedure was safe and effective [4]. Janoff and Parra noted that in comparison to RRP, patients undergoing RPP had less postoperative discomfort, shorter return of bowel function and hospital stay with a decreased transfusion rate [5]. Incorporating the robotic technology into the technique of RPP, Kaouk et al. performed robotic RPP in four patients with localized prostate cancer using a multi-arm da Vinci Surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). The procedures were successfully completed applying a robotic perineal approach with patients discharged within 48 hours [6]. Tugku et al reported their clinical experience with 15 patients who underwent robotic RPP [7]. Early continence rate was shown to be 40% at urethral catheter removal and 94% at third months postoperatively. Furthermore, a study was performed by the same group comparing outcomes of robotic RPP versus transperitoneal RALP [8]. Eighty patients (40 robotic RPP vs 40 RALP) with localized prostate cancer were included in the study. Continence rates were 94% in the robotic RPP and 72% in the RALP (p = 0.001) group at the 6th-month follow-up. In terms of erectile function, the rates favoured robotic RPP at 3, 6, and 9-month follow-ups with 44%, 66%, and 75%, respectively. In addition, compared with conventional RALP, robotic RPP would offer an advantage for those patients who had previous intra-abdominal surgery. Moreover, not having the need of putting the patients into steep Trendelenburg position is another potential benefit of robotic RPP over conventional RALP. In this study, we evaluate the early oncological outcome and objective functional outcome of patients undergoing robotic RPP for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Official Title
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Robotic Radical Perineal Prostatectomy for Localized Prostate Cancer: A Feasibility Study

Conditions
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Robotic Radical Perineal Prostatectomy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: GelPOINT®


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Men aged between 40 - 80 years Localized prostate cancer without obvious lymph node or distant metastases Exclusion Criteria: Clinical T stage T3 or above Prostate size >80 ml Patients with previous treatment of prostate cancer Patients with previous surgery on the prostate Patients with active urinary tract infection Patients with bladder pathology including bladder stone and bladder cancer Patients with urethral stricture Patients with neurogenic bladder and/or sphincter abnormalities Patients who fail to give informed consent

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Robotic perineal radical prostatectomy<br>The patient is laid in the exaggerated lithotomy and 15 degree Trendelenburg position. An incision is made between both ischial tuberosities. Perineal dissection is performed till the apex of the prostate is seen. Subcutaneous tissue laying under the incision borders is dissected deeply over the superficial perineal fascia to place the GelPOINT®.Once the robotic system is docked, dissection of prostate is started. | Device: GelPOINT®<br>* The patient is laid in the exaggerated lithotomy and 15 degree Trendelenburg position. An incision is made between both ischial tuberosities. Perineal dissection is performed till the apex of the prostate is seen. Subcutaneous tissue laying under the incision borders is dissected deeply over the superficial perineal fascia to place the GelPOINT®.Once the robotic system is docked, dissection of prostate is started.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Feasibility of robotic RPP | As defined by completion of prostatectomy via robotic perineal approach | During the 1-year post-operation study period | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Complications after study intervention | Post treatment complication | During the 1-year post-operation study period | 
| Positive margin rate | Positive margin rate in the prostatectomy specimen pathology | At week-6 | 
| Disease recurrence | Any biochemical recurrence | During the 1-year post-operation study period | 
| Functional outcome after robotic RPP | Change in scores in EPIC-26 questionnaires | At immediate post-operation, 2-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month | 
| Quality of life after robotic RRP | Change in scores in IPSS questionnaires | At immediate post-operation, 2-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Robotic Radical Prostatectomy, Perineal, Prostate Cancer