Table 13:
GRADE Evidence Profile for Robot-Assisted Versus Open Radical Prostatectomy for Erectile Function at 12 Months
| # Studies (Design) | Risk of Bias | Inconsistency | Indirectness | Imprecision | Publication Bias | Upgrade Considerations | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 non-RCTs | Serious limitations (−1)a | Serious limitations (−1)b | No serious limitations | Serious limitations (−1)c | Undetected | None | ⊕ Very low |
Abbreviations: GRADE, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation; RCT, randomized controlled trial.
a
Nonrandomized studies start at low GRADE. Differences in baseline patient, cancer, or surgeon characteristics between groups may impact erectile function.
b
Even when adjusted for differences in baseline characteristics between groups, results were inconsistent.
c
Use of nonvalidated or nonstandardized assessments for dichotomous outcomes.