Utility of extracorporeal traction with nylon thread for easier vesicourethral anastomosis in laparoscopic prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Vesicourethral anastomosis in laparoscopic prostatectomy is a very difficult procedure. Our purpose in this study was to evaluate a new method using extracorporeal bladder neck traction with nylon thread for vesicourethral anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 10 patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by this technique, and we evaluated anastomosis time, operative time, and postoperative status of vesicourethral anastomosis.

RESULTS

It was possible to shorten both anastomosis time and operative time by this procedure, and to obtain a hermetic anastomosis without higher risk of incontinence, stricture, or leakage.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracorporeal bladder neck traction with nylon thread is a very useful procedure to carry out easier vesicourethral anastomosis, especially for a surgeon's initial experience in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.