Following the description of consistently reproducible advantages of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) with and without robotic assistance in 2000-2001,1 - 2 use of MIRP has surged.3 - 4In particular, use of robotic-assisted MIRP increased from 1% to 40% of all radical prostatectomies from 2001 to 2006.5 - 6 Many patients intuitively perceive minimally invasive approaches to reduce complications compared with conventional open operations and prefer minimally invasive procedures because of smaller incisions requiring less analgesics and shorter hospital stays, even at greater cost.7 Moreover, the widespread direct-to-consumer advertising... Read More