[Radical prostatectomy with transurethral dissection of the prostate and seminal vesicles]

Transurethral dissection of the prostate and seminal vesicles was performed as the first step of suprapubic radical prostatectomy. Dissection was performed with a two-channel resector. Release of the anterior surface of the seminal vesicles and ampullae of the vas deferens was started at the bladder neck, in an infratrigonal plane. Partial section of the urethra was then performed proximally to the striated sphincter under visual and digital control to release the posterior surface of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Transurethral preparation of radical prostatectomy is technically feasible on the basis of our brief experience. This type of endoscopic prostatovesicular dissection avoids traction on the prostate, and theoretically decreases the risk of damage to the neurovascular pedicles (erection preserved in 6 out of 10 patients). Similarly, endoscopic section of the urethra theoretically decreases traumatic lesions of the striated sphincter (continence after removal of the bladder catheter in 9 out of 10 patients). The oncological result and operating time were comparable to those of conventional suprapubic radical prostatectomy. The risk of absorption is negligible in our experience. A large series is obviously necessary to confirm whether this technique constitutes a real improvement, particularly in terms of preservation of continence and erection.