Feasibility and outcome of retrograde endoscopy in a post-prostatectomy population

To determine the feasibility of retrograde endoscopy after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and its effects on post-prostatectomy continence.

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent RRP at our institution between 1999 and 2005, identifying those who subsequently required endoscopic instrumentation. Patient records were examined for the interval between procedures, method of endoscopy, and continence after endoscopy compared with baseline post-prostatectomy continence.

Twenty-one patients were identified who required endoscopic instrumentation from 4 to 49 months after RRP. Of these, 13 patients underwent ureteroscopy for stones (N = 8) or stricture disease (N = 5). In 3 cases, a ureteral access sheath was used, and in 12 cases, a ureteral stent placed postoperatively. Review of the operative reports revealed no complications or difficulty with cannulation of the ureteral orifice(s) or sheath placement. Eight patients underwent rigid cystoscopy for hematuria, removal of a foreign body, or treatment of bladder stones (N = 2 each) or for stent placement and frequency (N = 1 each). The ureter could not be identified in one case of attempted stent placement for hydronephrosis because of a distal-ureteral stone. A follow-up intravenous urogram confirmed passage of the stone and resolution of the hydronephrosis. There were no other reported difficulties with rigid cystoscopy. There was no documented change or adverse outcome regarding continence after endoscopy.

Post-prostatectomy retrograde endoscopy is feasible for the management of common urologic pathologies. Endoscopic instrumentation across the urethrovesical anastomosis did not have an adverse effect on urinary continence.