Comparing Hydraulics Between Two Grapevine Cultivars Reveals Differences in Stomatal Regulation Under Water Stress and Exogenous ABA Applications.

Hydraulics of plants that have different strategies of stomatal regulation under water stress are relatively poorly understood. We explore how root and shoot hydraulics, stomatal conductance (g s), leaf and root aquaporin (AQP) expression, and abscisic acid (ABA) concentration in leaf xylem sap ([ABA]xylemsap) may be coordinated under mild water stress and exogenous ABA applications in two Vitis vinifera L. cultivars traditionally classified as near-isohydric (Grenache) and near-anisohydric (Syrah). Under water stress, Grenache exhibited stronger adjustments of plant and root hydraulic conductances and greater stomatal sensitivity to [ABA]xylemsap than Syrah resulting in greater conservation of soil moisture but not necessarily more isohydric behavior. Correlations between leaf (Ψleaf) and predawn (ΨPD) water potentials between cultivars suggested a "hydrodynamic" behavior rather than a particular iso-anisohydric classification. A significant decrease of Ψleaf in well-watered ABA-fed vines supported a role of ABA in the soil-leaf hydraulic pathway to regulate g s. Correlations between leaf and root AQPs expression levels under water deficit could explain the response of leaf (K leaf) and root (Lp r) hydraulic conductances in both cultivars. Additional studies under a wider range of soil water deficits are required to explore the possible differential regulation of g s and plant hydraulics in different cultivars and experimental conditions.

Mutual Benefits of a Service-Learning Community-Academic Partnership.

BACKGROUND: Service-learning community-academic partnerships provide opportunities for nursing student development. Although mutual benefit has been identified as a critical element for the success of these partnerships, research indicates a lack of attention to this element during the collaborative process. METHOD: This single case study aimed to identify benefits of an innovative service-learning community-academic partnership between a college of nursing and an elementary school. Data were collected and analyzed from four sources of evidence: interviews, artifacts, documents, and fieldwork. RESULTS: Findings suggest that both the college of nursing and elementary school mutually benefitted from the partnership. Mutual benefits were categorized into three categories: (a) student service leadership development, (b) service-learning curricula enrichment, and (c) enhanced partner service initiatives. CONCLUSION: To increase capacity for sustainability of service-learning partnerships, the following strategies are recommended: initiation of a formal contract between partners, use of a guiding framework to identify outcomes, and faculty support for service initiatives. [J Nurs Educ. 2020;59(2):93-96.].

Aluminum-Activated Malate Transporters Can Facilitate GABA Transport.

Plant aluminum-activated malate transporters (ALMTs) are currently classified as anion channels; they are also known to be regulated by diverse signals, leading to a range of physiological responses. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) regulation of anion flux through ALMT proteins requires a specific amino acid motif in ALMTs that shares similarity with a GABA binding site in mammalian GABAA receptors. Here, we explore why TaALMT1 activation leads to a negative correlation between malate efflux and endogenous GABA concentrations ([GABA]i) in both wheat (Triticum aestivum) root tips and in heterologous expression systems. We show that TaALMT1 activation reduces [GABA]i because TaALMT1 facilitates GABA efflux but GABA does not complex Al3+ TaALMT1 also leads to GABA transport into cells, demonstrated by a yeast complementation assay and via 14C-GABA uptake into TaALMT1-expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes; this was found to be a general feature of all ALMTs we examined. Mutation of the GABA motif (TaALMT1F213C) prevented both GABA influx and efflux, and resulted in no correlation between malate efflux and [GABA]i We conclude that ALMTs are likely to act as both GABA and anion transporters in planta. GABA and malate appear to interact with ALMTs in a complex manner to regulate each other's transport, suggestive of a role for ALMTs in communicating metabolic status.

Rapid shoot-to-root signalling regulates root hydraulic conductance via aquaporins.

We investigated how root hydraulic conductance (normalized to root dry weight, Lo ) is regulated by the shoot. Shoot topping (about 30% reduction in leaf area) reduced Lo of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) by 50 to 60%. More detailed investigations with soybean and grapevine showed that the reduction in Lo was not correlated with the reduction in leaf area, and shading or cutting single leaves had a similar effect. Percentage reduction in Lo was largest when initial Lo was high in soybean. Inhibition of Lo by weak acid (low pH) was smaller after shoot damage or leaf shading. The half time of reduction in Lo was approximately 5 min after total shoot decapitation. These characteristics indicate involvement of aquaporins. We excluded phloem-borne signals and auxin-mediated signals. Xylem-mediated hydraulic signals are possible since turgor rapidly decreased within root cortex cells after shoot topping. There was a significant reduction in the expression of several aquaporins in the plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP) family of both grapevine and soybean. In soybean, there was a five- to 10-fold reduction in GmPIP1;6 expression over 0.5-1 h which was sustained over the period of reduced Lo .

Characterization of the TaALMT1 protein as an Al3+-activated anion channel in transformed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cells.

TaALMT1 encodes a putative transport protein associated with Al(3+)-activated efflux of malate from wheat root apices. We expressed TaALMT1 in Nicotiana tabacum L. suspension cells and conducted a detailed functional analysis. Protoplasts were isolated for patch-clamping from cells expressing TaALMT1 and from control cells (empty vector transformed). With malate(2-) as the permeant anion in the protoplast, an inward current (anion efflux) that reversed at positive potentials was observed in protoplasts expressing TaALMT1 in the absence of Al(3+). This current was sensitive to the anion channel antagonist niflumate, but insensitive to Gd(3+). External AlCl(3) (50 microM), but not La(3+) and Gd(3+), increased the inward current in TaALMT1-transformed protoplasts. The inward current was highly selective to malate over nitrate and chloride (P(mal) >> P(NO3) >or= P(Cl), P(mal)/P(Cl) >or=18, +/-Al(3+)), under conditions with higher anion concentration internally than externally. The anion currents displayed a voltage and time dependent deactivation at negative voltages. Voltage ramps revealed that inward rectification was caused by the imposed anion gradients. Single channels with conductances between 10 and 17 pS were associated with the deactivation of the current at negative voltages, agreeing with estimates from voltage ramps. This study of the electrophysiological function of the TaALMT1 protein in a plant heterologous expression system provides the first direct evidence that TaALMT1 functions as an Al(3+)-activated malate(2-) channel. We show that the Al(3+)-activated currents measured in TaALMT1-transformed tobacco cells are identical to the Al(3+)-activated currents observed in the root cells of wheat, indicating that TaALMT1 alone is likely to be responsible for those endogenous currents.

Comparison of open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy outcomes from a surgeon's early experience.

OBJECTIVES: The comparative safety and efficacy of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) performed by a newly trained surgeon have not been well documented. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from the first 75 cases each of RRP and LRP performed contemporaneously after urologic training. Urologic complications, pathologic outcomes, and health-related quality-of-life outcomes were assessed, the latter by validated questionnaire at 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: A selection bias was evident, because the RRP patients had a greater prostate-specific antigen level, body mass index, and pathologic stage than did the LRP patients. Nevertheless, the positive margin rates were low overall (19% RRP and 9% LRP, P = 0.18) and for those with pT2 disease (4% RRP and 6% LRP). With a mean follow-up of just longer than 2 years, 19 (25%) of 75 RRP patients required 32 subsequent procedures and 8 (11%) of 75 LRP patients required 10 procedures (P = 0.02). The bladder neck contracture rate was 16% for RRP and 3% for LRP (P = 0.02), and artificial urinary sphincters were placed in 7 RRP and 0 LRP patients. At 12 months, 47% and 64% of the RRP and LRP patients were fully continent, respectively (P = 0.046), and the LRP cohort used fewer pads (P = 0.022). Of the preoperatively potent patients who underwent a nerve-sparing procedure, 44% of the RRP and 41% of the LRP group were potent at 12 months (P = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: In one surgeon's initial experience, LRP resulted in fewer urologic complications and more reliable continence outcomes than did RRP without compromising potency or cancer control. Both procedures require experience to achieve acceptable health-related quality-of-life outcomes.

Age stratified functional outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We assessed health related quality of life in men treated for prostate cancer with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urinary continence and potency were prospectively assessed in 369 men stratified into age groups, including group 1-younger than 50, group 2-50 to 59 and group 3-60 years or older, by analyzing answers to the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaire collected preoperatively, and 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: Younger men were more likely to achieve urinary continence (1 pad or less daily) 1 year after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (groups 1 to 3 100%, 91% and 81%, respectively, p <0.01). Younger men were also more likely to be potent and engaging in intercourse 1 year after bilateral nerve sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (groups 1 to 3 70%, 67% and 46%, respectively, p <0.01). The mean percent return to baseline Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary continence subscale at 1 year in groups 1 to 3 was 80%, 79% and 74%, respectively (p = 0.49). The mean percent return to baseline Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite sexual function subscale at 1 year in groups 1 to 3 was 68%, 65% and 58%, respectively (p = 0.56). Binary logistic regression modeling using the variables age group, prostate weight, International Prostate Symptom Score and nerve sparing status demonstrated that only younger age group was associated with return to continence at all postoperative time points (p <0.05). Younger age group was associated with return to early potency at 3 and 6 months (p = 0.02 and <0.01, respectively). However, only nerve sparing status was associated with recovery of potency at all time points (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Younger men treated with nerve sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy regain urinary control and potency earlier than older men. However, validated questionnaire subscale analyses demonstrated that the return to preoperative baseline urinary continence and sexual function is similar in all age groups by the end of postoperative year 1.

Comparison of surgical performance during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy of two robotic camera holders, EndoAssist and AESOP: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Robotic camera holders provide steady camera movement and view during laparoscopic surgery. We compared two such robots, EndoAssist and AESOP, by evaluating timed setup and surgical performance during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). METHODS: We prospectively collected data for 20 patients undergoing LRP using either the EndoAssist or AESOP. AESOP was mounted to the surgical bed and controlled by an experienced assistant using a hand-held remote control. The EndoAssist device was placed over the patient's right shoulder. Its movements were executed by the surgeon using a head-mounted optical emitter with brief head movements detected by a sensor mounted atop the surgeon's video monitor. The robot setup time and LRP operative steps were timed and compared between the two cohorts. RESULTS: The time for robot setup favored AESOP over the EndoAssist (2.0 minutes versus 5.3 minutes, P = 0.001). The time for accomplishing vas deferens and seminal vesicle dissection favored the EndoAssist (23 minutes versus 33 minutes, P = 0.04). However, no statistically significant difference was found in the efficiency of task performance between the two robots in any of the other 11 steps measured. CONCLUSIONS: The EndoAssist appears to be equally efficient to the assistant-controlled AESOP robot with respect to surgical performance during LRP. The advantages of the EndoAssist include its accurate response and ability to provide the surgeon with complete control of the desired operative view without relying on an assistant. Its disadvantages include its large profile, lack of a table-mounted design, and the need for pedal activation. Additional modifications are needed to improve the efficiency and design of this novel robotic device further.

Simultaneous flux and current measurement from single plant protoplasts reveals a strong link between K+ fluxes and current, but no link between Ca2+ fluxes and current.

We present a thorough calibration and verification of a combined non-invasive self-referencing microelectrode-based ion-flux measurement and whole-cell patch clamp system as a novel and powerful tool for the study of ion transport. The system is shown to be capable of revealing the movement of multiple ions across the plasma membrane of a single protoplast at multiple voltages and in complex physiologically relevant solutions. Wheat root protoplasts are patch clamped in the whole-cell configuration and current-voltage relations obtained whilst monitoring net K+ and Ca2+ flux adjacent to the membrane with ion-selective electrodes. At each voltage, net ion flux (nmol m(-2) sec(-1)) is converted to an equivalent current density (mA m(-2)) taking into account geometry and electrode efficiency, and compared with the net current density measured with the patch clamp system. Using this technique, it is demonstrated that the K+-permeable outwardly rectifying conductance (KORC) is responsible for net outward K+ movement across the plasma membrane [1:1 flux-to-current ratio (1.21 +/- 0.14 SEM, n = 15)]. Variation in the K+ flux-to-current ratio among single protoplasts suggests a heterogeneous distribution of KORC channels on the membrane surface. As a demonstration of the power of the technique we show that despite a significant Ca2+ permeability being associated with KORC (analysis of tail current reversal potentials), there is no correlation between Ca2+ flux and KORC activity. A very significant observation is that large Ca2+ fluxes are electrically silent and probably tightly coupled to compensatory charge movements. This analysis demonstrates that it is mandatory to measure flux and currents simultaneously to investigate properly Ca2+ transport mechanisms and selectivity of ion channels in general.

Classification and trends of perioperative morbidities following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We classified and assessed trends in the incidence, severity and management of perioperative morbidity following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 250 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent transperitoneal LRP, as performed by 2 surgeons (CPP and LMS), between April 2001 and March 2004. The Clavien classification system was used to grade complications for cases completed laparoscopically. RESULTS: In the 246 cases completed laparoscopically 20 grade II, 12 grade III and 2 grade IV complications were noted during a mean followup of 13.7 months (overall complication rate 13.8%). Median hospital stay was 2 days (range 2 to 8) and median duration of bladder catheterization was 10 days (range 3 to 36). Postoperative ileus that prolonged hospital stay was the most frequent complication and it occurred in 8 patients (3.3%). Seven patients required blood transfusion (2.8%). Bladder neck contracture was observed in 3 patients (1.2%). A total of 11 complications occurred in the first 50 cases, while 12, 6, 8 and 1 occurred in cases 51 to 100, 101 to 150, 151 to 200 and 201 to 250, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative complications following LRP are mostly self-limited and grade II or III (94.1%). The incidence of complications and need for conversion to open radical prostatectomy decreased with experience. Uniform reporting and grading of surgical complications via a standardized classification system may permit more meaningful comparisons among different centers and surgical techniques.

Effect of volatile hydrocarbon fractions on mobility and earthworm uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from soils and soil/lampblack mixtures.

Studies were conducted to examine the mobility and bioavailability to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) of priority pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in a suite of 11 soils and soil/lampblack mixtures obtained from former manufactured-gas plant sites. Contaminant mobility was assessed using XAD4 resins encapsulated in dialysis tubing, which were exposed to slurried soils for 15 d. These experiments showed that mobility of PAH in the different soils strongly correlated to the levels of volatile hydrocarbons (namely, gasoline- and diesel-range organics [GRO and DRO]) that existed in the soils as co-contaminants. Actual PAH bioavailability (as measured by earthworm PAH concentrations) also appeared to depend on GRO + DRO levels, although this was most evident at high levels of these contaminants. These findings are discussed in view of the effects of dieselrange organics on oil viscosity, assuming that the hydrocarbon contaminants in these soils exist in the form of distinct adsorbed oil phases. This study, therefore, extends correlations between carrier-oil viscosity and dissolved solute bioavailability, previously observed in a number of other in vitro and whole-organism tests (and in bacterial mutagenicity studies in soil), to multicellular organisms inhabiting contaminated-soil systems.

Health related quality of life before and after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: The viability of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) as a surgical treatment for prostate cancer depends on oncological and health related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes. We present a prospective assessment of HRQOL in 122 patients before and after LRP using the validated Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EPIC data were collected preoperatively, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after LRP, and all were normalized to patient preoperative baseline responses. RESULTS: Using traditional single question responses, 93.4% of patients were continent (0 to 1 pads) at postoperative month 12. Of previously potent men who underwent bilateral nerve sparing 78.9% reported engaging in sexual intercourse within postoperative year 1. However, EPIC domain scores provided a more comprehensive assessment of functional outcomes. For the urinary incontinence subdomain, the majority of functional recovery was achieved by postoperative month 6, reaching a 74% return to baseline on average. In contrast, recovery of the sexual function subdomain continued throughout postoperative year 1 (to a mean of 64%). Recovery of sexual function was not significantly affected by age or preoperative potency status, although the extent of nerve sparing was a significant predictor of outcome (mean recovery to 75% of baseline for bilateral vs 36% for no nerve sparing at 12 months, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Nerve sparing LRP provides satisfactory first year HRQOL outcomes when assessed with a validated instrument. The time course and extent of functional recovery documented in this prospective study may prove useful for patient counseling before LRP.

Nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: replicating the open surgical technique.

OBJECTIVES: To present a detailed demonstration of a nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) technique that replicates anatomic nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Techniques for neurovascular bundle preservation during open RRP have undergone several decades of careful refinement. Identifying pre-existing anatomic planes and the avoidance of thermal injury near the nerves are principles considered paramount during nerve-sparing RRP. During LRP and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, the use of cautery for hemostasis during nerve dissection is common despite its unknown effects on cavernous nerve function. METHODS: We describe a combined antegrade and retrograde laparoscopic approach to neurovascular bundle dissection. The technique is demonstrated in the accompanying video segments. The use of specialized laparoscopic instrumentation, including a fine-tipped right-angle clamp and curved dissector, is discussed. The principles of meticulous tissue handling and avoidance of electrocautery are stressed. The preliminary outcomes are presented using data obtained using an abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaires. RESULTS: To date, our technique has been applied to LRP in more than 177 patients. Blood loss has been minimal (less than 300 mL), and intraoperative anatomic nerve preservation appeared excellent. On the basis of our early experience, 76% of patients engaging in sexual intercourse preoperatively who underwent bilateral nerve preservation (n = 21) reported the ability to engage in sexual intercourse 1 year after LRP. CONCLUSIONS: Our nerve-sparing LRP technique replicates established open surgical principles of anatomic nerve-sparing RRP. The techniques described here minimize the potential for cavernous nerve damage from electrical energy or heat. Early functional outcomes appear comparable to the results obtained with open RRP performed at our institution.

Simultaneous laparoscopic prosthetic mesh inguinal herniorrhaphy during transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Concurrent repair of inguinal hernias during open radical retropubic prostatectomy is well described and commonly practiced. With the advent of the laparoscopic approach to radical prostatectomy, the possibility of concurrent laparoscopic hernia repair merits investigation. We present a case of simultaneous prosthetic mesh onlay hernia repair for bilateral inguinal hernias during laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy.

"Humic coverage index" as a determining factor governing strain-specific hydrocarbon availability to contaminant-degrading bacteria in soils.

We report development of a novel parameter for quantifying the amount of humic and fulvic acids per unit surface area in a particular soil. This quantity, the "humic coverage index" (HCI), provides a measurement of the relative spatial extents and/or thicknesses of the humic/fulvic overlayers in different soils, and, therefore, can be used in modeling various soils' behavior in sequestration processes in which humic materials are involved. HCI is herein applied to modeling biodegradation of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons (phenanthrene, pyrene, and hexadecane) by several bacterial strains. Results indicate that, for the cases studies here, contaminant biodegradation is highest at a particular HCI and decreases if the coverage density of humic material is lower or higher than this optimum value. The HCI value at which maximal degradation was observed varied across different strains (indicating strain-specific differences in ability to degrade contaminants sorbed to humic materials) and, to a lesser extent, across different contaminants. The HCI concept is also demonstrated to be useful in explaining soil-, strain-, and contaminant-specific variations in the ability of fulvic acid supplementation to enhance contaminant biodegradation. Finally, we show that, in general, strains which are comparatively better at degrading contaminants in high-HCI soils also show enhanced contaminant mineralization in vitro in the presence of humic acids, such as when hydrocarbons are adsorbed onto these materials.

Alkanindiges illinoisensis gen. nov., sp. nov., an obligately hydrocarbonoclastic, aerobic squalane-degrading bacterium isolated from oilfield soils.

An alkane-degrading bacterium, designated GTI MVAB Hex1(T), was isolated from chronically crude oil-contaminated soil from an oilfield in southern Illinois. The isolate grew very weakly or not at all in minimal or rich media without hydrocarbons. Straight-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as hexadecane and heptadecane, greatly stimulated growth; shorter-chain (

Physicochemical soil parameters affecting sequestration and mycobacterial biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil.

Six soils, obtained from grasslands and wooded areas in Northeastern Illinois, were physicochemically characterized. Measured parameters included total organic carbon (TOC) content, contents of humic acid, fulvic acid and humin, pore volume and pore size distribution, and chemical makeup of soil organic matter (determined using solid-state 13C-NMR). Moistened, gamma-sterilized soils were spiked with 200 ppm of either phenanthrene or pyrene (including 14C label); following 0, 40, or 120 days of aging, the contaminant-spiked soils were then inoculated with Mycobacterium austroafricanum strain GTI-23, and evolution of 14CO2 was assessed over a 28-day period. Results for both phenanthrene and pyrene indicated that increased contact time led to increased sequestration and reduced biodegradation, and that TOC content was the most important parameter governing these processes. One soil, although only tested with phenanthrene, showed significantly lower-than-expected sequestration (higher-than-expected mineralization) after 40 days of aging, despite a very high TOC value (>24%). Because the level of sequestration in this soil was proportional to the others after 120 days of aging, this implies some difference in the temporal progression of sequestration in this soil, although not in its final result. The primary distinguishing feature of this soil was its considerably elevated fulvic acid content. Further experiments showed that addition of exogenous fulvic acid to a soil with very low endogenous humic acids/fulvic acids content greatly enhanced pyrene mineralization by M. austroafricanum. Extractabilities of 13 three- to six-ring coal tar PAHs in n-butanol from the six soils after 120 days of sequestration were strongly TOC-dependent; however, there was no discernible correlation between n-butanol extractability and mycobacterial PAH mineralization.

Prospective comparison of short-term convalescence: laparoscopic radical prostatectomy versus open radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare prospectively the convalescence of patients after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in a standardized clinical care pathway at a single institution by two surgeons of equal experience and training. METHODS: The study included all 60 patients undergoing LRP and RRP by two fellowship-trained surgeons in their first year of practice. The postoperative care of these patients was uniform and standardized. The medical records were reviewed and convalescence data obtained by an independent urologist and physician's assistant. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients, 24 underwent RRP and 36 underwent attempted LRP; 3 patients were converted from LRP to RRP. The differences in mean age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, in-hospital morphine equivalent requirement, time to oral intake, and hospital stay were not statistically significant between the LRP and RRP groups. The operating room time was significantly longer (5.8 +/- 1.2 hours versus 2.8 +/- 0.55 hours, P <0.0001) and the estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the LRP group (533 +/- 212 mL versus 1473 +/- 768 mL, P <0.0001) than in the RRP group. Pain medication use at home was significantly less in the LRP group (9 +/- 13 versus 17 +/- 15 oxycodone tablets, P <0.04), as was the time to complete convalescence (30 +/- 18 days versus 47 +/- 21 days, P <0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Although LRP took almost twice as long to complete as RRP in our initial clinical experience, the patients had a similar hospital course. LRP patients required less pain medication after discharge and had a shorter time to complete recovery than did RRP patients. Additional studies are needed to address long-term cancer control, potency, and continence outcomes to determine the precise role of LRP in the treatment of men with clinically localized prostate cancer.