title: Use of a laparoscopic instrument to improve urethrovesical anastomosis quality during retropubic radical prostatectomy.
abstract: Urethrovesical or urethroileal anastomosis is a critical step during radical surgery to obtain good postoperative continence without restenosis of the lumen. A number of surgical maneuvers and technical devices have been proposed for safer reconstruction of the urethrovesical junction. We experimentally used a 25-charrier cystoscope sheath as a guide for exact placement of sutures on the urethral stump with an instrument designed to perform laparoscopic sutures. Among the advantages of this technique are easy and quick placement of the stitches, which can be placed to an exact depth and in the desired direction. We believe that future modifications of laparoscopic instruments will make oncologic pelvic surgery easier.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Comarcal Hospital of Monforte, Lugo, Spain.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Escandón
authors.forename: O G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Garcia
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*