The application of a blunt‐tip needle to suture the dorsal venous complex in robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Issue 3 (31st March 2017) - Zhang, Chao
Abstract: Objectives: Complete haemostasis of the dorsal venous complex (DVC) is of great importance in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of blunt‐tip needles in the surgery. Methods: Cases of robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were reviewed. If a blunt‐tip needle had been used to suture the DVC, the patient was recruited to the blunt‐tip group. If a regular needle was used, the patient was recruited to the control group. Patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were recorded. Results: One hundred and nine cases were reviewed. A blunt‐tip needle was used to suture the DVC in 67 cases, and a regular needle in 42 cases. All characteristics of the two groups are comparable ( p > 0.05). In 66 cases in the blunt‐tip group, no sutures or coagulations were needed when suturing the DVC, Five cases of DVC‐related bleeding were observed in the control group, which is higher than in the blunt‐tip group ( p = 0.031). At the same time, no catheter was sutured in the blunt‐tip group. All patients were followed for at least six months. The continence rate in the blunt‐tip group is 89.6%, significantly higher than in the control group (73.8%, p = 0.031). Conclusions: Using a blunt‐tip needle to suture the DVC may reduce DVC‐related bleeding and provide a better surgical field. It may be helpful in improving postoperative continence. However, its effect on positive margin at the apex still needs further investigation.