Comparison of Radical Prostatectomy Techniques: Open, Laparoscopic and Robotic Assisted

Introduction: To review the current status of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robotic assisted radical prosta-tectomy (RALP) in relation to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in the management of localized prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: Between 1982 and 2007 published literature was reviewed using the National Library of Medicine database and the following key words: retropubic, laparoscopic, robotic, robot-assisted, and radical prostatectomy. Special emphasis was given to the technical and cost considerations as well as operative, functional and oncologic outcomes. I