Abstract

Objective: The urethrovesical anastomosis is one of the critical steps of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. We compared two different urethrovesical anastomosis techniques described by van Velthoven and Patel.

Materials and methods: We reviewed the data of 50 patients in whom either van Velthoven technique (Group 1, n=30), or modified Patel technique (Group 2, n=20) was carried out for urethrovesical anastomosis. All anastomoses were performed by the same surgeon. After a mean follow-up of 11±3.2 (range 3-18) months, urinary continence and bladder neck contracture rates were analyzed.

Results: Mean age, prostate volumes, and preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were similar in both groups. There was no statistical difference in mean hospitalization and mean catheterization times. The mean anastomosis and operation time was significantly shorter in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p<0.05). The mean recovery time to urinary continence was also significantly shorter in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (30.3 vs. 43.6 days, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the continence and bladder neck contracture development rates between groups (p>0.05). 

Conclusion: Performing the van Velthoven technique decreased anastomosis and operation times, but the postoperative continence and bladder neck contracture development rates were not influenced by the method of anastomosis. However, the mean recovery time to urinary continence was reduced with Patel technique.