Analysis of the Learning Curve of Surgeons without Previous Experience in Laparoscopy to Perform Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Figure 1

The figure shows the linear regressions of the learning curve along the series regarding the outcomes surgery time, urinary continence, and sexual potency 12 months after surgery, along with the multiple surgical margin rates. (a) Surgery time (in minutes–y axis) with progression of cases (number–x axis). The arrow marks the start of the performance of obturator lymphadenectomy, followed later by extended lymphadenectomy; R² = 0.33; (b) continence 12 months after surgery; the best results approach line 1, R² = 0.06; (c) erection 12 months after surgery; the best results approach line 1; R² = 0.02; (d) compromised surgical margins in pT2 cases; the best results approach line 1; R² = 0.01; (e) compromised surgical margins in pT3 cases; the best results approach line 1; R² = 0.02.

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