The single needle method for urethrovesical anastomosis with strengthened posterior fixation during laparoscopic...

The single needle method for urethrovesical anastomosis with strengthened posterior fixation during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was explored. The method was initiated by performing a fixing suture with a knot at 4 o'clock of the posterior lip of bladder neck, and another suture at nearby position was performed to leave the knot outside. From 5 o'clock to 8 o'clock, sutures were performed every one o'clock to secure posterior approximation, then every two o'clock a suture. To avoid a loose anastomosis, lock sutures were performed every 3 sutures. The needle was always driven full-thickness outside-in in the bladder neck and inside-out on the urethra. After completing the full circumference, the needle was drawn near the 4 o'clock and tied at the tail end. Any leakage could be closed with additional interrupted sutures. The clinical data of 89 patients who underwent this method were retrospectively compared with those of 23 patients who underwent the single knot method. The results showed that the anastomosis, operative and catheterization time was 17.6+/-4.7 min, 134.0+/-10.7 min and 6.5+1.6 days respectively. There were 3 temporal urinary leakages identified in 89 cases requiring prolonged catheterization. No urinary leak and anastomotic stricture was confirmed, and 95.2% patients had total urinary control. It was concluded that this method was simple and safe for urethrovesical anastomosis.