Introduction and Objectives
To familiarize with the techniques (interrupted versus running suture) and suture materials used while reconstructing vesicourethral anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomies carried out in our department.
Material and Methods
Retrospective study evaluating techniques of vesicourethral anastomosis in a group of 250 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in our department from January 2007 to November 2008. In the first group of 49 patients we used interrupted technique using UR-6, 2–0 Vicryl suture on 5/8 needle. In the second group of 201 patients we performed running suture of vesicourethral anastomosis using EP-3, 2–0 Monolac fibre on two needles. The main evaluating criteria were feasibility of the technique, watertightness of the anastomosis and occurrence of anastomotic stricture.
Results
Running suture, which is now being used in our department seems to be much faster, easier to perform and with lower rates of potential complications: 1.0% versus 2.4% of urinary leak, 0% versus 4.1% of anastomotic stricture.
Conclusions
Both laparoscopic techniques of reconstructing the vesicourethral anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy are technically demanding methods, with the advantage of the running one. However, in the hands of an experienced surgeon both of them have excellent outcomes with minimal complications for the patients.
Article info
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
