Drain-free simple retropubic prostatectomy with fibrin sealant.
OBJECTIVE
We present our preliminary experience with liquid fibrin sealant during simple retropubic prostatectomy.


METHODS
We reviewed 18 consecutive simple retropubic prostatectomies performed for symptomatic advanced benign prostatic hyperplasia at our institution between 1997 and 2001. Adenoma enucleation was performed via transverse anterior prostatic capsulotomy. In the first 13 cases (group 1) a Jackson-Pratt suction drain was placed in the pelvis after prostatic capsular closure. In the remaining 5 cases (group 2) 2 ml. liquid fibrin sealant were administered over the closed prostatic capsule instead of a pelvic drain.


RESULTS
The 2 groups were matched for age and prostate size. Average time to drain removal in control group was 3.92 days, while the fibrin sealant group had no clinically apparent adverse sequelae despite the lack of pelvic drainage. Average hospitalization in group 1 was 4.38 days, while all group 2 patients were discharged home after 2 days (p = 0.001). In addition, a trend toward earlier resumption of a full diet was noted in the sealant group (2.61 versus 1 day, p = 0.075).


CONCLUSIONS
Liquid fibrin sealant appears to expedite recovery and shorten hospitalization when used as an adjunct during simple prostatectomy.
Urology Service, Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Allen F
AF
Morey
R Clayton
RC
McDonough
William S
WS
Kizer
John P
JP
Foley
D000368:Aged; D004322:Drainage; D019160:Endosonography; D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery
D015718:Fibrin Tissue Adhesive