A novel method of bladder neck fixation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Background. Appearance of new surgical techniques are aimed to improve not only oncological, but also functional outcomes of radical prostatectomy. A good urinary continence after radical surgical treatment remains an important aspect with not only medical but also social significance, since it can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life.Aim. To describe a new surgical technique of lateral fixation of the bladder neck using autotissue during robotic- assisted radical prostatectomy, to evaluate its effecacy and safety.Materials and methods. From February till November 2020, 20 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent radical robot-assisted prostatectomy. All operations were performed in one medical center, by one experienced robotic surgeon (more than 1000 operations). After the imposition of vesicourethral anastomosis the reconstruction of pelvis was performed by lateral fixation of the vesical cervix with auto-tissue flaps of the intrapelvic fascia. A prerequisite was the preservation of the puboprostatic ligaments, endopelvic fascia and puboperineal muscles. The duration of the operation (console time and time of reconstruction), the volume of intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complications according to Clavien–Dindo, the duration of urethral catheter and the patient’s length of hospital stay, oncological results (pT stage, presence/absence of a surgical margin), the presence of immediate continence, as well as continence 3 months postoperatively were assessed.Results. The mean operative time was 142 (115–168) minutes, mean console time – 64 (50–98) minutes. The mean duration of lateral fixation stage was 3,5 (2–5,5) minutes. Urethral catheter was removed at 7th day postoperatively. There were no Clavien–Dindo group III–V complications registered. Immediate continence rate – 75 % (15 patients), early continence rate – 25 % (5 patients).Conclusion. The use of a new technique of lateral reconstruction during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy using endopelvic fascia flaps is safe and effective, it improves functional outcomes without affecting oncological results.