Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: an athermal anterior approach to the seminal vesicle dissection

The seminal vesicles, particularly the lateral aspect and tips, are among the closest structures to the cavernous nerves and pelvic plexus. Given this proximity it is essential that the seminal vesicle dissection be performed in an athermal and atraumatic fashion during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Traditionally the seminal vesicle dissection during RALP is performed by dividing the vas deferens and following it proximally to locate the tip of the seminal vesicle. Here we describe a modification to the traditional anterior approach to seminal vesicle dissection. Our modification allows the dissection to be performed athermally and efficiently with use of minimal traction. The dissection proceeds medially between the two terminal vas deferens to identify the medial surface of one of the seminal vesicles. This medial surface is avascular and can be developed easily along the length of the vesicle using blunt dissection. Once its tip is identified it is elevated with the fourth arm medially between the two vas deferens. The ipsilateral vas can then be clipped and divided below the level of the elevated seminal vesicle. The vascular supply to the seminal vesicle is then simply identified entering the lateral aspect of its tip. A hemolock clip is placed directly beneath the tip of the seminal vesicle to control its vasculature. The remainder of the dissection can be performed with sharp dissection. Using this technique the seminal vesicle can be excised entirely with minimal traction and no thermal energy. By elevating the tip medially away from the location of the pelvic plexus and cavernous nerves, inadvertent damage to these neural structures is avoided when placing the hemolock clips.