Retrograde Release of the Neurovascular Bundle with Preservation of Dorsal Venous Complex During Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Optimizing Functional Outcomes

ConclusionsRetrograde release of the neurovascular bundle with preservation of dorsal venous complex during RARP is safe and associated with excellent oncological and functional outcomes. Future comparative studies are needed.Patient summaryRobot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) presents consistent oncological outcomes for prostate cancer; yet continence and potency results are not uniform. We present a technical modification for RARP aiming to preserve the nerves and vascular structures anterior to the prostate. We evaluated 128 consecutive patients with clinically localized or locally advanced prostate cancer undergoing RARP with our modified technique of retrograde release of the neurovascular bundles with dorsal vein sparing. We have shown that this technique is safe, effective and associated with early recovery of continence and sexual function after surgery.
Source: European Urology - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research