[The urethral protractor. A new instrument for facilitating the anastomosis between urethra and bladder in radical prostatectomy and urethro-intestinal anastomoses following cystectomy].

The urethral protractor is a new device that helps push the urethral stump upwards together with the urogenital diaphragma. It facilitates suturing the anastomosis in radical prostatectomy and the intestino-urethral anastomosis after cystectomy. With the help of the urethral protractor, the urethral stump can be directed into various positions in order to simplify the localization and control of bleeding close to the urethra. By tilting the urethral protractor to one side, damage to the neurovascular bundles can be avoided when suturing. The urethral protractor consists of a rigid, reusable, suture guide made of stainless steel and a special, disposable balloon catheter.