Posterior support for urethrovesical anastomosis in robotic radical prostatectomy: single surgeon analysis

Posterior urethrovesical anastomotic support has been reported to improve early return of urinary continence following radical prostatectomy. We adapted this technique to evaluate enhancement of early urinary control in patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy.

Forty-two consecutive men undergoing radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon between September and December 2007 received a posterior urethrovesical supporting stitch prior to the standard urethrovesical anastomosis (group 1). Operative data, postoperative complications, and follow up data were compared with those of the 42 consecutive men who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy by the same surgeon between March and August 2007 with a standard urethrovesical anastomosis (group 2). Continence was assessed at routine follow up visit 6 to 8 weeks following catheter removal. Continence was defined as zero pads or small security liner for infrequent urinary leakage in 24 hours.

Thirty-four (81%) and 37 (88%) men in groups 1 and 2 respectively had follow up available between 45 and 75 days following prostatectomy. Preoperative demographics were similar between the two groups. At a mean follow up of 60 and 53 days following surgery, 29/34 (85%) of men in group 1 and 32/37 (86%) of men in group 2 were continent. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, no factors were associated with improved continence between the two groups.

Posterior urethrovesical anastomotic support did not result in improved early urinary control following radical prostatectomy. Excellent urinary control can be achieved in the patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy without posterior urethrovesical anastomotic support.