Can single-port surgery be used as an alternative technique for localized prostate cancer?

Single-port (SP) surgery uses a single small incision for robotic instruments, aiming to reduce pain and scarring compared to traditional multiport (MP) surgery. For localized prostate cancer, SP techniques — including transvesical partial prostatectomy and perineal radical prostatectomy — have been studied as alternatives. Current evidence shows SP surgery is safe and feasible, with similar cancer control and some recovery benefits, though early continence may be lower and operative times longer.

What the research says

A scoping review notes that single-port surgery has evolved as a way to minimize morbidity while maintaining oncologic safety ³. A 2022 study of nine patients undergoing SP transvesical partial prostatectomy for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer reported no intraoperative complications and all patients discharged the same day ⁵. A 2021 matched-pair study comparing SP perineal radical prostatectomy to MP transperitoneal radical prostatectomy found similar outcomes, though the SP approach had a learning curve ⁶. A 2026 analysis of 145 SP procedures found longer operative times and lower early continence rates at 3 and 6 months compared to MP, but similar blood loss and positive margin rates ⁷. Overall, SP surgery appears to be a reasonable alternative, but outcomes depend on surgeon experience and patient selection.

What to ask your doctor

• What is your experience with single-port prostatectomy, and how many procedures have you performed?
• Am I a good candidate for single-port surgery based on my cancer stage and prostate size?
• How do the recovery times and side effects (continence, potency) compare between single-port and multiport approaches in your practice?
• What are the potential risks or complications specific to the single-port technique?
• Is single-port surgery available at your hospital, and would it be covered by my insurance?