Management of the dorsal vein complex during radical retropubic prostatectomy

An understanding of the prostatic dorsal venous anatomy allows dissection of the prostatic apex in a manner that results in minimal bleeding while preserving the rhabdosphincter, urethra, and neurovascular bundles during radical retropubic prostatectomy. This article reviews the pertinent venous anatomy of the prostatic apex. A surgical technique is described that allows secure venous control and that has resulted in consistently low blood loss and an allogeneic transfusion rate of less than 1% of patients.