Perineoscopic vesicourethral reconstruction: A novel surgical technique for anastomotic stricture following radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Objective: Vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) is frequently seen after prostate surgery because of various operative and postoperative factors. In this study, we aimed to present our results of perineoscopic bladder neck reconstruction, which is a new technique of the perineal approach in the treatment of patients with VUAS after prostate cancer surgery.

Material and methods: Sixteen consecutive patients who underwent perineoscopic bladder neck reconstruction in our clinic between July 2017 and March 2019 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, surgical history, postoperative continence status, and additional treatment requirements were recorded. Perineoscopic surgery is defined as the visualization of the surgical site with instruments used in laparoscopy and the surgeon performing the entire operative procedure through the screen.

Results: The mean number of preoperative endoscopic bladder neck resections of the patients was 7±5.1, with a history of suprapubic cystostomy in 7 (43.7%) and radiotherapy in 5 (31.2%) patients before surgery. The mean surgical time was 126.2±13.1 min. The mean follow-up period was 13.2±6.8 months, and the success rate was 81.25%. During follow-up, two (12.5%) patients received perineoscopic re-do reconstruction because of stricture recurrence, and one (6.2%) patient was included in a urethral dilatation program.

Conclusion: Improving visualization and ergonomics with the perineoscopic approach can increase the success rate of bladder neck reconstruction in comparison with the standard approach. In addition, the lack of need for expanded dissection (corporal separation, inferior pubectomy) reduces postoperative complication rates.

Figure 1. a, b

The view of the operating room and perinoscopic setup (a). Perineoscopic bladder neck reconstruction being performed (b)

Figure 2

a–d. Dissection of the dorsel vein (a). Removing of the fibrotic stricture part allowing the exposure of the bladder neck (b). Bladder neck previous to re-anastomosis (c). Running suture with a 3/0 V-Loc to close the bladder neck anastomosis (d)