Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the avatera system?: a prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive, safe procedure preferred in the management of localized prostate cancer. In this study, we present our initial experience with the avatera (TM) system (avateramedical GmbH, Jena, Germany) in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.METHODS: A total of fourteen patients underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using this newly introduced system in our department from June 2022 to October 2022. The primary endpoints of the study were the time and the successful completion of the operation, the hemoglobin drop and the presence of complications. The pathologic tumor stage and the presence of positive surgical margins were also recorded. Follow-up of the patients for the functional outcomes over a period of 3 months took place.RESULTS: The completion of all the surgeries was successful. The median draping and docking times were 9.5 minutes (7-13) and 10 minutes (5-40), respectively. The median console time was 103.5 minutes (90-121). No conversion to laparoscopic or open prostatectomy was necessary. The median hemoglobin drop was 1.95 g/dL (0.3-2.7), while positive surgical margins were present in two patients postoperatively. No major complications or need for transfusion were noticed. Six months after the procedure, 78.6% of the participants were continent while 77.7% of the nerve-sparing patients reported erections adequate for intercourse.CONCLUSIONS: All the operations were completed successfully without major complications or significant blood loss. The functional outcomes were acceptable according to the literature. Based on the early outcomes, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with the avatera (TM) system (avateramedical GmbH) could be considered feasible, safe, and efficient.