To develop a best practice consensus on the application of the Single Port (SP) robotic platform for robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: A 34-item questionnaire was developed addressing the general principles, patient selection, surgical technique, clinical outcomes, and the learning curve of SP-RARP. Each statement was rated using a binary Likert scale (“agree” or “disagree”). The survey was distributed via email to all practicing SP surgeons across the United States and Europe. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement on a given statement.
A total of 53 surgeons participated in the Delphi Consensus process. Of the 34 statements, 28 (82.4%) reached agreement in the first round, with the remainder achieving consensus in the second round. The panel agreed that there are no absolute contraindications to SP-RARP (100%), including cases requiring standard pelvic lymph node dissection (90.7%). Strong agreement was also reached regarding the potential benefits of SP-RARP, including its utility in patients with extensive prior abdominal surgery (88.4%), as well as its role in promoting shorter length of hospital stay (97.7%), reduced risk of incisional hernia (83.7%), and a faster recovery of urinary continence, particularly with the transvesical technique (76.2%). Regarding the learning curve, consensus was reached on the need for a structured training pathway (90.7%), with most participants recommending beginning with extraperitoneal SP-RARP before advancing to the transvesical approach (83.7%).
This Delphi consensus demonstrates broad agreement among experienced SP-RARP surgeons in the United States and Europe, underscoring the safety, feasibility, and potential clinical advantages of SP-RARP, particularly in expanding patient selection, improving perioperative outcomes, and reinforcing the importance of structured training programs.
 |
None