Oncological and functional outcomes of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in India using a novel robotic platform: Early institutional experience

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate early oncological and functional outcomes of Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP) performed using a novel surgical robotic platform (Versius, Cambridge Medical Robotics, United Kingdom) in India, focusing on trifecta outcomes (cancer control, continence, potency). Methods: In this prospective observational study (n = 38), patients with clinically localised prostate cancer underwent RALRP using the Versius system between 2022-2024. Perioperative parameters (operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, catheterisation) and pathological outcomes (positive surgical margins, upstaging, nodal status) were recorded and analysed. Follow-up at 6, 12, 24 weeks’ post-surgery for PSA levels (biochemical recurrence defined as PSA ≥0.2 ng/mL), urinary continence (ICIQ-UI SF), and erectile function (IIEF-5) was scheduled. Results: Mean operative time was 311 minutes (range 180-490), decreasing with experience. No patients required transfusion. Mean hospital stay was 6.8 days; catheter in situ for mean 10 days. Pathological upstaging occurred in ~63% of cases; positive surgical margins (PSM) in 42.1%, predominantly focal (