Effect of vesicourethral anastomosis technique on functional results in retropubic radical prostatectomy. Issue 9 (27th June 2021) - Kızılay, Fuat
Abstract: Aim: We aimed to compare the functional results of two different vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) techniques used in open retropubic radical prostatectomy. Methods: A total of 476 patients including the first group with four‐focus VUA at 12‐, 3‐, 6‐, and 9‐o'clock positions (n = 288) and the second group with six‐focus VUA at 12‐, 2‐, 4‐, 6‐, 8‐, and 10‐o'clock (n = 188) were included in the study. Perioperative data, erectile function, and continence status over a 12‐month period were compared. Results: Demographic and perioperative data were similar between two groups. The number of patients with VUA stricture in the first group was significantly higher those in the second group (5.1% vs 3.2%, P = .017). The mean time to stricture development was also shorter in the first group (48.9 vs 74.3 days, P = .002). The number of continent patients at the 6th and 12th months were higher in the second group (79.3% vs 62.8%, P < .001; 92.4% vs 81.3%, P = .032, respectively). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of the number of potent patients ( P = .194 for 6 months and P = .351 for 12 months). Conclusions: Better continence results can be provided with the six‐focus VUA technique compared with the four‐focus technique. The number of anastomotic sutures in VUA may affect functional results and can be a determinative factor for surgeons who focus on functional results as well as oncological results.