Impact of prior robotic surgical expertise on the results of Hugo RAS radical prostatectomy: a propensity score-matched comparison between Da Vinci-expert and non-Da Vinci-expert surgeons

• DOI: 10.1007/s00345-025-05608-2
• Publication Date: 2025-04-20T10:53:17Z
• Authors: Filippo Gavi; Maria Chiara Sigh...; Daniele Fettucciari; Cristina Carerj; Filippo Marino; Enrico Panio; Pierluigi Russo; Nazario Foschi; Riccardo Bientinesi; Carlo Gandi; Giuseppe Palermo; Angelo Totaro; Emilio Sacco; Bernardo Rocco

Abstract Background Hugo RAS is a novel robotic platform gaining global adoption. Most reported outcomes come from centers with prior Da Vinci experience, limited data robotic-naïve settings or comparisons based on expertise. Objective To compare of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed by Vinci-experienced (DVE) versus non-Da (NDVE) surgeons. Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective patients undergoing Hugo-RARP (July 2022–November 2024) were analyzed. Patients grouped whether their surgeon had experience. None Hugo-RAS Outcome Measurements Statistical Analysis: Primary positive surgical margin (PSM) complication rates. Secondary included operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), length stay (LOS), continence, potency. Propensity score matching adjusted for baseline differences. Results limitations After matching, 117 per group PSM rates (17% vs. 21%; p = 0.40) complications ( 0.63) similar. DVE surgeons shorter OT (179 206 min; < 0.001) lower EBL (127 161 ml; 0.008). LOS did not differ 0.84), 12-month functional oncological comparable. Limitations include the non-randomized, single-center design. Conclusions enables safe effective RARP comparable regardless Prior however, improves intraoperative efficiency.