Utility of extracorporeal traction with nylon thread for easier vesicourethral anastomosis in laparoscopic prostatectomy

PURPOSE: Vesicourethral anastomosis in laparoscopic prostatectomy is a very difficult procedure. Our purpose in this study was to evaluate a new method using extracorporeal bladder neck traction with nylon thread for vesicourethral anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by this technique, and we evaluated anastomosis time, operative time, and postoperative status of vesicourethral anastomosis. RESULTS: It was possible to shorten both anastomosis time and operative time by this procedure, and to obtain a hermetic anastomosis without higher risk of incontinence, stricture, or leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal bladder neck traction with nylon thread is a very useful procedure to carry out easier vesicourethral anastomosis, especially for a surgeon's initial experience in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.