Early outcomes of single-site versus multi-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Single-site robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (ssRARP) has been promoted in many institutions due to its minimally invasive approach. This review aimed to investigate early outcomes of ssRARP in comparison with multi-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (mpRARP). Methods A systematic literature search was performed for articles related to ssRARP case series and studies that compared ssRARP with mpRARP. The primary outcomes were functional and oncological outcomes, incision length, length of hospital stay and cost. Results 24 ssRARP case series involving 1385 cases, and 11 comparative studies involving 573 ssRARP cases and 980 mpRARP cases were included. Rate of immediate, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month recovery of continence in the ssRARP case series were 41 % [95 % CI: 0.38–0.45], 70 % [95 % CI: 0.67–0.73], 90 % [95 % CI: 0.87–0.93] and 93 % [95 % CI: 0.90–0.96]. 3-month potency recovery and positive surgical margin rate were 53 % [95 % CI: 0.46–0.60] and 21 % [95 % CI: 0.19–0.24]. No significant differences were detected between ssRARP and mpRARP in terms of 3-month (OR: 1.12; 95 % CI: 0.80–1.57) or 6-month (OR: 0.72; 95 % CI: 0.36–1.46) continence recovery rate, 3-month potency recovery rate (OR: 0.92; 95 % CI: 0.50–1.70), positive surgical margin rate (OR: 0.83; 95 % CI: 0.62–1.11), biochemical recurrence rate or total cost. Furthermore, ssRARP was associated with a significantly shorter length of incision and hospital stay. Conclusion ssRARP has significant advantages in cosmetic effect, length of incision and rapid recovery. Consequently, ssRARP is expected to become the preferred form although more evidence is needed to determine its long-term effect.