Usefulness of tonsil forceps in radical retropubic prostatectomy

The presence of positive surgical margins after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for prostate cancer leads to an increased risk of progression and reduces disease free survival. A positive surgical margin at the apex is more frequent and is associated with worse clinical prognosis compared to other locations. The urethra usually enters the prostate slightly anterior and proximal to the prostatic apex. After dividing the dorsal vessels and separating neurovascular bundles (NVB) from the prostatic urethral junction using scissors, the operator dissects around the urethra just below the apex to avoid incision into the apex and injury of the NVB and sphincter mechanism. We use tonsil forceps instead of a right-angle clamp to make this important operative step more approachable. Its special curved shape with an angle of 105 degrees and short tip should make it much easier to isolate the urethra just below the apex from the surrounding tissue.