The effect of vesicourethral anostomosis technique on functional results
in retropubic radical prostatectomy
Abstract
Aim We aimed to compare the functional results of two different
vesicourethral anostomosis (VUA) techniques used in retropubic radical
prostatectomy (RRP). Methods A total of 476 patients including the first
group with 4 focal VUA at 12-, 3-, 6-, and 9-o’clock positions (n = 288)
and the second group with 6 focal VUA at 12-, 2-, 4-, 6-, 8- and
10-o’clock (n = 188) were included in the study. Perioperative data and
erectile function and continence status over a 12-month period were
compared. Results Demographic and perioperative data were similar
between the two groups. The proportion of patients with VUA stricture in
the first group was significantly higher than in the second group (5.1%
vs 3.2%, p = 0.017). The mean time to stricture development was also
shorter in the first group (48.9 vs 74.3 days, p = 0.002). In the second
group, the proportion of continent patients at the sixth and twelfth
months was higher than the first group (79.3% vs 62.8%, p
<0.001; 92.4% vs 81.3%, p = 0.032, respectively). There was
no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the
proportions of potent patients (p = 0.194 for 6 months and p = 0.351 for
12 months). Conclusions Better continence results can be obtained with
the six-focus VUA compared to the four-focus technique. The number of
anostomotic sutures in VUA can affect functional results and may be a
decisive factor for surgeons who focus on functional results as well as
oncological results.