[Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) without postoperative bladder catheter: study about 14 cases].

OBJECTIVES

To report the feasibility of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) without postoperative bladder catheter.

MATERIAL &

METHODS

We report our experience in 14 patients (mean age 62 [48-75]) who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for localised prostatic adenocarcinoma from May 2006 to January 2010. The surgical technique was performed as classically described, without bladder neck preservation (tennis-racket closure), with or without nerve sparing (JP). The criteria that led us not to drain were the satisfactory urethral length, a tension-free anastomosis performed on a bladder catheter with separate sutures, and a lack of anastomotic leack after bladder filling with 200cc.

RESULTS

The mean hospital stay was 4 days (3-8). Ten patients (71.4%) needed intermittent bladder catherism four times (1-11) before starting micturitions, without any technical difficulties. No anastomic leack was reported. Nine patients (64.3%) were continent leaving the hospital. With a mean follow-up of 30 months (5-48), all of 14 patients (100%) were perfectly continent. No anastomotic stricture was reported.

CONCLUSION

RRP without postoperative bladder catheter was feasible, with no other early or late complication associated. Early and late continence were perfect (100% at 2 years).