Transurethral Anastomosis after Transurethral Radical Prostatectomy: A Phantom Study on Intraluminal Suturing With...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotics

Background:

• Radical prostatectomy often leads to erectile dysfunction and incontinence due to surrounding tissue disruption.
• The transurethral approach offers less invasive access to the prostate.
• Existing transurethral prostatectomy methods lack effective methods for urethral-bladder anastomosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for performing urethral-bladder anastomosis during transurethral radical prostatectomy.
• To overcome limitations of current intraluminal anastomotic devices for transurethral procedures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized concentric tube manipulators for precise control and customizability within the urethral lumen.
• Developed a new technique for performing anastomosis in the confined space of the urethra.
• Tested the proof-of-concept in an anthropomorphic phantom model of the urethra and bladder.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the feasibility of performing urethral-bladder anastomosis using concentric tube manipulators.
• Successful initial proof-of-concept anastomosis achieved in a phantom model.

Conclusions:

• A novel transurethral approach for radical prostatectomy, including anastomosis, is feasible.
• Concentric tube manipulators offer a viable solution for intraluminal anastomosis in urological surgery.
• This technique holds potential for reducing complications associated with traditional radical prostatectomy.