Does obesity influence the operative course or complications of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine if obesity is associated with prolonged surgery or more complications during and after surgery in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2003 and September 2005 data were collected prospectively for all patients undergoing RALP. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m2. The duration of surgery was recorded, determining the duration of steps, including overall, robotic assistance, and vesico-urethral anastomosis. In all, 285 patients had RALP by one of two surgeons; 236 were classified as not obese and 49 as obese. RESULTS: The characteristics of the two groups were similar before and af..