Preventing Postsurgical Lymphoceles: Efficacy of Preventing Lymphocele Ensuring Absorption Transperitoneally Technique in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

Background: Lymphocele is an important condition commonly seen in the follow-up of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) for prostate cancer. Since the formation and treatment of lymphocele may have negative consequences in terms of patient-care and health expenditure. Several techniques have been used to prevent lymphocele. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of the previously described preventing lymphocele ensuring absorption transperitoneally (P.L.E.A.T.) technique and compare the outcomes of patients who underwent this technique. Methodology: The data of patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with ePLND for prostate cancer between 2017 and 2023 in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the application of the P.L.E.A.T. technique in their operations. All patients were followed up with the same protocol. Patient characteristics and postoperative follow-up data were statistically analyzed. Results: Data of 78 patients (26 patients in the P.L.E.A.T. group and 52 patients in control group) were evaluated retrospectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, prostate-specific antigen levels, body mass index, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, D'Amico risk classification, or the number of lymph nodes removed. Analysis of postoperative data revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in total amount of drainage (P < .05), drain removal day (P < .05), and length of hospital stay (P < .05). Conclusions: Our experience with the P.L.E.A.T. technique showed potential advantages in line with the literature, with a considerable reduction in total drain amount, drain removal day, and length of stay.