PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE OF RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY USING AN ENDOSCOPIC STAPLER

Abstract

(Purpose) Preliminary experience of radical retropubic prostatectomy using an endoscopic stapler is reported.
(Methods) An endoscopic stapler was applied for ligation and division of the lateral prostatic ligaments and the deep dorsal vein complex during radical retropubic prostatectomy in 8 patients.
(Results) Procedures with stapler were easily performed and almost always effective for hemostasis. Mean total blood loss was 663ml, mean 575ml of autologous blood was given. None of patients was transfused allogeneic blood.
(Conclusion) These results indicate that an endoscopic stapler may facilitate radical retropubic prostatectomy.