Cumulative summation graphs are a useful tool for monitoring positive surgical margin rates in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Objective: • To explore the usefulness of cumulative summation (CUSUM) graphs for monitoring positive surgical margin (PSM) rates during a surgeon's transition from open to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Patients and methods: • Data were prospectively collected from patients undergoing RARP by a single surgeon. • Preoperatively all patients were either low or moderate risk under the D'Amico classification system. • A CUSUM graph was charted retrospectively to analyse the PSM rate in patients undergoing RARP for pathological stage T2 (pT2) disease. • Acceptable and unacceptable PSM rates were set at 10% and 15% respectively.

Results: • From a cohort of 226 patients, 158 patients with pT2 disease were selected. The mean (range) age of these patients was 59.2 (39-73) years, the median (range) Gleason score was 6 (4-9), the mean (range) PSA was 6.43 (0.52-17.5) ng/mL and the mean (range) prostate volume was 44 (18-120) cm(3). In all, 21 patients had PSMs (13%). • CUSUM graphs were produced and clearly demonstrated the change in PSM rate over time.

Conclusion: • CUSUM graphs are a novel and useful visual representation of the learning curve for surgeons. • PSM rates in patients with pT2 disease are a good outcome to monitor using CUSUM graphs as they are binary and lack the confounding factors associated with other outcomes such as continence and erectile dysfunction. • We advocate the use of CUSUM graphs as a method of quality assurance with the introduction of a robotics programme.