["Sandwich" urethra reconstruction improves the early continence following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy]

To explore the safety and efficacy of "sandwich" urethra reconstruction in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for the early recovery of continence.

LRP was performed using a urethra surrounding tissue reconstruction in 37 consecutive patients, and without reconstruction procedure in 34 consecutive patients at the same period from March 2012 to January 2013. The baseline data, preoperative data: The patient age, body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), International prostate symptoms score (IPSS), prostate volume, preoperative PSA, Gleason score were assessed retrospectively; Operative data: The neurovascular bundle preservation, operation time, blood loss were assessed; and the primary outcome measure was urinary continence assessed at the end of 1, 2, 4, 12 and 24 weeks after the catheter was removed. Other data recorded were duration of indwelling catheter, positive margin rate and complications.

There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to baseline,preoperative and operative data except of the operative time (P=0.003). Between the two groups, the continence of the reconstruction group was higher than that of the control group at the end of 4 and 12 weeks (P=0.007, P=0.020, respectively).

Urethra surrounding tissue reconstruction in LRP is safe and feasible, and it could improve early recovery of continence.