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Does laparoscopic radical prostatectomy require general anesthesia?

Yes. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a major operation and would be unbearable without anesthesia. During a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, the operating table is positioned such that the patient's head is lower than his feet. Also, the patient's abdomen is filled with CO₂ to a pressure of 15 mm Hg. Under such conditions, a sedated patient cannot breathe on his own. For these reasons, laparoscopic prostate cancer surgery requires general anesthesia with full intubation.