Comparing outcomes of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy by specialists and trainees using a modular training approach

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is the dominant surgical approach for prostate cancer worldwide. The steep learning curve in robotic surgery is eased by modular training and the da Vinci Surgical System^© dual console, where supervisors can assume control of the robot from a secondary console if required. Here we evaluate the safety of robotic training by comparing pathological and peri-operative outcomes of RALPs performed predominantly by urology trainees supported by a modular training approach and dual console supervision with RALPs performed predominantly by specialist robotic surgeons. This prospective cohort study examines RALPs performed at a tertiary robotic training centre in Australia between February 2017 and August 2018. Each case was divided into 13 steps from port placement to specimen retrieval. A case was considered a ‘trainee-lead case’ if the trainee completed more than 75% of the operative steps. We compared patient demographics, operative parameters, peri-operative outcomes, and pathological outcomes between groups. Differences between groups were measured using Fisher’s exact test for categorical data and the unpaired Student’s t-test for continuous data. Of 126 cases in this study, 39 (31%) were trainee-led cases and 87 (69%) were specialist lead cases. There was no significant difference in operative or pathological outcomes between trainee-lead cases and specialist-lead cases. Our results compared favourably with local and international benchmarks. RALP performed by trainees using a modular training approach and supported by the dual console can have equivalent peri-operative and pathological outcomes to specialist-led cases. This is achieved by graded progression and dual console supervision.