Accurate control of the superficial and deep dorsal veins during radical retropubic prostatectomy: the Münster clamp technique.
OBJECTIVE
To better control the superficial and deep dorsal veins during radical retropubic prostatectomy and, thus, to reduce blood loss.


METHODS
A surgical technique is described which introduces a modified Babcock clamp to fully encompass all tissue above the prostatic capsule. In a prospective protocol, 30 consecutive patients (median age 64.5, range 57-76 years) were randomly assigned to either the standard technique or the Münster clamp method. Blood loss was estimated for the entire phase from teasing away the periprostatic fat until the apex had been mobilized.


RESULTS
Median hemorrhage was 950 (range 300-2,100) ml for the standard technique and 800 (range 200-1,750) ml for the clamp procedure (Wilcoxon rank sum test, p = 0.17).


CONCLUSIONS
The Münster clamp technique can reduce hemorrhage during radical retropubic prostatectomy. This method is easy to apply and is also suitable for cystoprostatectomy.
Schmid
Hans-Peter
HP
Department of Urology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany. hans-peter.schmid@kssg.ch
Semjonow
Axel
A
Piechota
Hans-Jürgen
HJ
Hertle
Lothar
L
D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D013525:Surgical Instruments