Minimizing complications during retropubic radical prostatectomy - Is ureteral stenting necessary?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer carries a risk of ureteral injury.
• Preventive measures like ureteral stents or indigo carmine dye are sometimes used to visualize ureteral orifices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety of a bladder neck preserving technique in radical prostatectomy regarding ureteral injuries.
• To determine if prophylactic ureteral stents or indigo carmine dye are necessary with this approach.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 369 radical prostatectomies using a bladder neck preserving technique.
• Assessment of ureteral stent use, indigo carmine dye application, observed ureteral injuries, and postoperative renal function.

Main Results:

• No intraoperative ureteral injuries were observed in 369 cases.
• Only 1.90% of patients received prophylactic ureteral stents; indigo carmine was not used.
• No ureteral injuries required revision within one year post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Bladder neck preserving radical prostatectomy does not necessitate prophylactic ureteral stent insertion.
• This surgical technique is associated with a low incidence of ureteral injuries.