Running suture for vesicourethral anastomosis in minilaparotomy radical retropubic prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: We used a running suture method for vesicourethral anastomosis in patients undergoing minilaparotomy radical retropubic prostatectomy. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The vesicourethral anastomosis using a single knot at the 6:30-o'clock position is created with two steps of semicircular running suture. A total of 21 consecutive patients underwent this running suture method using the Endostitch in the hands of a single surgeon (T.M.) between March and November 2004. The running suture procedure was completed in 15 minutes on average. After surgery, no urinary leakage at the anastomotic site was found. Satisfactory continence was achieved in the short term in 100% (0 to 1 pad per day) of cases. However, dilation at the anastomosis using a metal dilator was required in 2 patients immediately after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: The running suture method is considered a feasible alternative in minilaparotomy radical retropubic prostatectomy.