title: Retropubic radical prostatectomy: associated blood loss and transfusion requirements--a two-decade perspective review.
abstract: Bleeding during retropubic radical prostatectomy arises from venous structures in the majority of cases. Since its introduction two decades ago, the nerve-sparing procedure with surgical control of the dorsal venous complex has led to a reduction in blood loss and blood transfusion rate. The reducton in blood loss is a result of better understanding of the prostatic blood vessel anatomy, extensive surgical experience over time, and reduction in transfusion triggers with an acceptance of lower postoperative hemoglobin values. Increased blood loss during RRP is associated with poorer outcomes most probably due to surgical difficulties. But as for now, there are no decisive risk factors for clinically significant bleeding during RRP although newer technologies for hemostasis of the dorsal vein complex are being utilized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
authors.forename: Kobi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stav
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rahimi-Levene
authors.forename: Arie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lindner
authors.forename: Yoram I
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Siegel
authors.forename: Amnon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zisman
mesh_terms: D001803:Blood Transfusion; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins