title: [Compression of the bulbar urethra by transobturator suburethral tape: anatomical study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The management of female stress urinary incontinence has been markedly improved by the suprapubic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and transobturator tape techniques. The objective of our study was to assess the feasibility of this type of technique in males based on cadavre dissection.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 300 mm x 15 mm polypropylene tape was inserted via a transobturator approach on a cadavre stored in the refrigerator at 4 degrees C and on three cadavres stored in formalin. The technique was almost identical to that used in females. It requires a midline perineal incision in the raphe and two small lateral incisions. The deep transverse muscle of the perineum was opened with scissors. The needle was introduced via the lateral incisions and its progression was guided by a finger introduced into the perineal orifice. The cadavre was then sectioned sagittally to verify the course of the tape and its relations to adjacent structures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The operative technique did not raise any particular problems. Dissection revealed that the tape crossed the deep transverse muscle of the perineum and the levator ani muscle, before travelling towards the obturator foramen. The tape avoided the bladder, prostate, corpora cavernosa, and pudendal pedicle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The transobturator tape technique therefore appears to be feasible in males. It does not appear to comprise any particular risks for adjacent organs. This anatomical study appeared to be essential before considering an in vivo application.
authors.affiliation: Service d'Urologie, CHU Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
authors.forename: Clément
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Darcq
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guy
authors.forename: Aslam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mansoor
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vanneuville
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Filaire
authors.forename: Jean-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Boiteux
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010388:Pelvis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D014521:Urethra