Open anterograde anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy technique: description of the first fiftyfive procedures

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is the leading surgical technique and was discussed in Pasadena Consensus Panel (1). The goal of this study is to present the results of the first fifty-five patients submitted to Anterograde Anatomic Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy technique (R2PA2), without adding complexity or cost.

Fifty-five eligible men with localized prostate cancer underwent R2PA2 from January, 2016 to December, 2017. The technique was previously described (2): the main surgical steps were anterograde dissection, ligation of the dorsal vascular complex without dividing, preservation of the bladder neck, nerve sparing, preservation of Denonvilliers' fascia and confection of the running suture anastomosis. All patients were operated on by second-year residents.

All procedures were completed as planned, but one converted to retrograde prostatectomy (mean duration, 163.40 minutes; hospital stay, 4 days with 4.20 days of drainage; indwelling vesical catheterization of 9.80 days). Positive surgical margin was found in six T2 staging patient (10.90%) and five T3 (9.10%). Biochemical PSA recurrence occurred in three patients (5.50%). Twenty-four (43.60%) were continent immediately after indwelling catheter removal, seventeen (30.90%) did not wear a pad at one postoperative month while eighteen (30%) used only one safety pad. Five minor complications occurred.

We were able to perform R2PA2 allowing men who do not have access to this new technology to be operated on with the same technique used in robotic surgery. This method was reproducible by low-volume prostate cancer surgeons; help inexperienced surgeons to develop skills valuable to future training with robotic techniques. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This work was supported by the FAPERJ - Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Secretaria de Estado de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação do Governo do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Pedro Ernesto University Hospital of the State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Available at: http://www.intbrazjurol.com.br/video-section/20180421_Carrerette_et_al.