Novel technique to enhance bladder neck dissection with traction of Foley catheter during extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

BackgroundLaparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is a challenging technique that is associated with a steep learning curve. We describe a novel technique to develop bladder neck traction using a Foley catheter during extraperitoneal LRP to enhance bladder neck dissection, thereby improving patient and procedural outcomes.Materials and methodsThe novel technique employed a four-trocar approach to prostatectomy, which involved the introduction of a 1-0 Vicryl suture into the extraperitoneal space using an Endo Close needle to pull up the Foley catheter tip and make the bladder neck prominent. From June 2006 to November 2012, clinicopathological data of 71 patients who underwent four-port extraperitoneal LRP (modified extraperitoneal LRP, Group 1) were assessed and compared with those from 22 patients who underwent transperitoneal LRP (Group 2) retrospectively.ResultsThe two groups were comparable in terms of pathological staging and Gleason score. The operative time was significantly shorter (p < 0.05) and the total blood loss was less in Group 1 patients (p < 0.05). No patient in either group underwent early reintervention for bleeding or blood transfusion. Bilateral or unilateral nerve sparing surgery was performed in 80.3% and 45.5% of Group 1 and Group 2 patients, respectively. The immediate, 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year continence rates were, respectively, 19.7%, 38%, 69%, 91.5%, and 100% in Group 1 and 18.2%, 50.0%, 77.3%, 86.4%, and 95.5% in Group 2. In Group 1, 100% of patients were continent 12 months postprocedure. The potency rate was 71.4% in both groups.ConclusionImproved bladder neck enhancement provides a clearer vision during bladder neck dissection. Similar functional results and cancer control rates were also encountered during modified extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy. This novel technique is a feasible method for performing endoscopic radical prostatectomy using four ports instead of five.