Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Is it feasible and reasonable?

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a technically feasible procedure with the worldwide experience exceeding 300 cases. It must be evaluated with scrutiny before it can be advocated as a reasonable alternative to open radical prostatectomy. Although short-term results are comparable with conventional surgery, long-term oncologic equivalency to radical prostatectomy and advantages in morbidity remain to be demonstrated. The ability to preserve potency appears less than with open series. Until the results are equivalent, the procedures steep learning curve and additional expense make it difficult to justify laparoscopic radical prostatectomy as an alternative therapeutic modality for localized prostate cancer.