title: A novel technique of exposure during radical retropubic prostatectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We describe a novel technique of enhanced exposure during radical retropubic prostatectomy in cases with significant cartilage overgrowth at the junction of the symphysis pubis.
  
  
  METHODS
  At our institution 74 radical retropubic prostatectomies were performed between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 1999. In 9 cases (12%) exposure was limited by overgrowth of cartilage at the posterior aspect of the pubic symphysis. Electrovaporization of this cartilaginous outgrowth was performed using an extended Bovie tip on cut settings of approximately 250 W. using the Bard System 5000, Birtcher 5000 and 6400 series (Valley Lab, Boulder, Colorado). The cartilage was vaporized until flush with the pubic bone.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This technique provided optimal exposure for direct visualization during the most critical part of the procedure. Added operative time was only 1 to 3 minutes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were associated with this technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We recommend this technique of vaporization when surgical exposure is limited by overhanging pubic symphysis cartilage. This technique enables better visualization during apical dissection, control of the dorsal vein complex and division of the urethra without additional operative time or surgical complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Kaiser
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: Mohan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Verghese
authors.forename: S Reza
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Ghasemian
authors.forename: Arnold M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kwart
mesh_terms: D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011631:Pubic Symphysis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery