title: Pfannenstiel incision for radical retropubic prostatectomy as a surgical and cosmetic alternative to the midline or laparoscopic approach: A single center study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Pfannenstiel incision is not a very common approach for radical retropubic prostatectomy (RPE). This study is primarily dealing with the approach to the prostate.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 10-12 cm Pfannenstiel incision was made 2 fingers above the pubic bone. The rectus sheath was opened transversally and dissected from the rectus muscle. The muscle was further on divided in the midline; otherwise, the operation was performed the same way as the retropubic radical prostatectomy described by Walsh [1]. The wound closure was performed in several layers, and the skin was stapled.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In a series of 163 RPEs, we achieved excellent cosmetic results. Four patients developed subcutaneous hematomas, two of them required surgical intervention, and 3 patients developed infections that were effectively treated with antibiotics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our experience with the Pfannenstiel incision approach for radical retropubic prostatectomy was very positive. The approach provides good exposure, heals well with a cosmetic scar, and facilitates hernia repair through the same approach if needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Hanusch Krankenhaus, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lunacek
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Radmayr
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Horninger
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Hanusch Krankenhaus, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Eugen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Plas
keywords: Pfannenstiel inicision; radical prostatectomy; surgical approach