Improved Outcomes Utilizing a Valveless-Trocar System during Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP)

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effect of valveless trocar system (VTS) on intra-operative parameters, peri-operative outcomes, and 30-day postoperative complications in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. METHODS: A total of 200 consecutive patients undergoing Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon were prospectively evaluated using either the valveless trocar (n = 100) or standard trocars (n = 100). Patient demographics, intra-operative parameters, length of stay, presence or absence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, analog pain score at 0–6 hours, 6–12 hours, 12–18 hours, and >24 hours, and 30-day postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, intra-operative urine output, length of stay, or 30-day complication rates between the two groups. While the VTS group had higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (28.45 vs. 27.23; P = 0.049), the operative time was significantly shorter in the VTS group (146 minutes vs. 167 minutes; P < .005). The VTS group experienced fewer episodes of nausea (2% vs. 10%; P = 0.0172). The VTS group had less pain intensity compared to the control in the first 18 hours: 0–6 hours (1.9 vs. 2.5; P = 0.034), 6–12 hours (2.8 vs. 3.6; P = 0.044), and 12–18 hours (2.2 vs. 3.1; P = 0.049), respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of a valveless trocar system during robot-assisted robotic prostatectomy may shorten operative times, and reduce postoperative pain scores and nausea episodes without increasing the 30-day complication rate. Further prospective randomized trials should be performed to validate these findings.