Learning curve of single-port robot-assisted simple prostatectomy: a risk-adjusted CUSUM analysis

TL;DR

This study evaluates the learning curve for a specific robotic prostate surgery and finds that proficiency is achieved after about 33 cases.

Contribution

The study introduces a risk-adjusted CUSUM analysis to determine the learning curve for single-port robot-assisted prostatectomy.

Findings

Prostatic volume and BMI are significant predictors of operative duration.

Proficiency in the procedure is achieved after 33 cases, with consolidation after 75 procedures.

Operative time and hospital stay improved significantly across learning phases.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the learning curve of robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) using a transvesical approach and to identify the impact of patient-related factors, such as prostatic volume and Body Mass Index (BMI), on operative efficiency. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 103 consecutive RASP procedures performed by a single surgeon was conducted. A multiple linear regression model was developed to calculate predicted operative times adjusted for prostatic volume and BMI. Risk-adjusted Cumulative Sum (RA-CUSUM) analysis was applied to the residuals to characterize the learning curve. Perioperative outcomes were compared across the identified phases using the χ² test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. Results: Both prostatic volume (p < 0.001) and BMI (p = 0.029) were independent predictors of operative duration. The RA-CUSUM analysis identified a learning phase (cases 1–33), a proficiency phase (34–73), and a consolidation phase (74–103). Significant improvements were observed across phases for median operative time (210 vs. 176 vs. 190 min, p = 0.011) and median length of stay (11 vs. 9 vs. 9 h, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found regarding complications or functional outcomes. Conclusions: Proficiency in robotic transvesical simple prostatectomy is achieved after approximately 33 cases, with technical consolidation occurring after the 75th procedure. The transvesical approach provides direct access that may mitigate the technical challenges associated with high BMI, although prostatic volume remains the primary driver of operative duration.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11701-026-03200-3.

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