[Retropubic radical prostatectomy with the use of ultrasonic cutting and coagulating system (AutoSonix System)]

We report our experience of using the ultrasonic coagulating and cutting device, AutoSonix System, which began in January 2000 to reduce the amount of bleeding in radical retropubic prostatectomy. The mean age of the 24 prostate cancer patients operated on was 68.2 years old. The operation results were excellent; the mean operation time was 227 +/- 29 minutes (mean +/- standard deviation), and the mean amount of blood loss during the operation was 215 +/- 114 ml. There were no major complications. After three months or more of follow-up, no patients needed any pads for urinary incontinence. Only one case showed a stricture at cystourethral anastomosis. AutoSonix System was useful to reduce the blood loss from the venous plexus in the pelvic cavity. We believe that radical prostatectomy would be safer if this device would be used by the urologist.