The single-knot method with Lapra-Ty clips is useful for training surgeons in vesicourethral anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

We determined the applicability of the running single-knotted suture with Lapra-Ty clips to locking the vesicourethra at the 6 o’clock position for teaching anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy to trainee surgeons. Fifty consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer conducted by five surgeons with no experience of this procedure. Twenty (group 1) and 30 (group 2) of the patients underwent vesicourethral anastomosis using the single-knot running technique without or with Lapra-Ty clips. Surgical data, duration of surgical anastomosis, extravasation rate, time until healing and catheter removal, and occurrence of anastomotic structures were evaluated. The duration of surgical anastomosis was significantly greater without than with the Lapra-Ty clips (56 ± 13 min versus 45 ± 10 min, P < 0.01). The extravasation rate on postoperative cystography was significantly higher without than with the Lapra-Ty clips (30.0% versus 10.0%, P < 0.05). Leakage occurred on the 6 o’clock side of the anastomosis in all of these patients and urinary retention occurred in one patient (5.0%) in group 1. The single-knot method with Lapra-Ty clips in vesicourethral anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is useful, safe, and efficient, especially for surgeons learning the technique.