Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in Albania. Initial Experience in 25 Patients

Background: Laparoscopic or robotic assisted prostatectomy has become common world wide. However, to our knowledge, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has not been reported in Albania. Objective: To analyze the early perioperative and oncologic results obtained with the extraperitoneal laparoscopic prostatectomy (ELRP). Patients and Method: A retrospective study of all the patients operated at Salus Hospital Tirana, Albania. All data were collected and evaluated retrospectively on the basis of thorough clinical and pathological examination. For data management and statistical analysis, all variables pre-, intra- and perioperative data were collected in a spreadsheet. Results: In the 4-year period ( outline the period), 25 patients underwent the ELRP procedure. The average age of patients was 65 year-old and the PSA of 17.5 ng/dl. The total surgery time was 168 minutes on average. Only one patient was transfused after surgery, and limfocele was present in 2 patients. No other complications occured. Pathological examination revealed pT2 and pT3 cancers in 72% (18/25) and 25% (6/25) of patients, respectively. One patient had regional lymph nodes infiltration. The incidence of positive surgical margins and biochemical relapse rate was 16 % (4/25) and 32 % (8/25), respectively.  Conclusion: The ELRP technique is safe and effective procedure in the treatment of prostate cancer, with low morbidity.