Robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and School of Medicine have revealed that robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer patients is significantly more costly than standard open surgery. This study, considered to be the first to investigate actual direct and indirect surgery costs at a single institution, determined that the robotic-assisted surgery exceeded costs by 62% compared to the standard approach. Further, there appears to be little evidence of long-term improvement in patient outcomes, and the majority of the cost difference has been associated with robotic equipment and supplies. To learn more about this study, click here.