title: Nerve-sparing endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy: University of Leipzig technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the various operative steps as well as the functional and oncologic results of nerve-sparing endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (nsEERP).
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty preoperatively potent patients have been treated with bilateral nsEERPE in our department. The average age of the patients was 60.3 years (range 41-74 years), and the mean prostate weight was 48.6 g (range 24-117 g).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operative time was 136 minutes (range 75-210 minutes). No conversions to open surgery were necessary. The mean catheterization time was 5.7 days (range 4-20 days). Lymphadenectomy was performed in 26 patients. The pathologic stages were pT2 in 78 and pT3 in 42 patients. Positive margins were detected in 7.7% (N = 6) and 19% (N = 8) of the patients with pT2 and pT3 disease, respectively. Erections sufficient for intercourse were reported in interviews with 58 patients (48.3%) during the 6-month follow-up period. Follow-up of at least 1 year is deemed necessary to draw more definite conclusions about erectile function. One week postoperatively, 32 patients (26.7%) required a maximum of 1 pad, 59 patients (49.2%) 2 or 3 pads, and 29 patients (24.2%) more than 3 pads per day because of incontinence, whereas 3 and 6 months after the procedure, 98 (82%) and 106 (88%) of the patients required a maximum of 1 pad, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results demonstrate that nsEERPE can be performed with equal efficacy and preliminary results similar to those of standard open radical prostatectomy as well as transperitoneal laparoscopic prostatectomy while completely avoiding intraperitoneal complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Jens-Uwe
authors.initials: JU
authors.lastname: Stolzenburg
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rabenalt
authors.forename: Minh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Do
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tannapfel
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Truss
authors.forename: Evangelos N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Liatsikos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004724:Endoscopy; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D010410:Penile Erection; D011467:Prostate / Q000294:innervation* / Q000601:surgery*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology