Bidirectional Barbed Only vs Poliglecaprone Suture with Rhabdosphincter Reconstruction for Urethrovesical Anastomosis During Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: Does It Make Any Difference?

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the use of bidirectional barbed suture only vs poliglecaprone suture with posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction for urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) on cystographic leakage, duration of catheterization, and early urinary continence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bidirectional double-armed barbed suture only was used for UVA (n = 50) in Group 1. Two 3/0 poliglecaprone 25 sutures were tied to each other to form a double-armed suture used for UVA with posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction in Group 2 (n = 50). Groups were similar regarding patient demographics and operative parameters. Groups were compared regarding leakage on cystography, duration of urethral catheterization after RARP, immediate urinary continence (continence at the time of urethral catheter removal), and continence rates at first and third-month follow-up.

RESULTS: Leakage on cystography was detected in 4 (8%) and 10 (20%) of the patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.08). Urinary catheter removal duration was 7.8 and 8.5 days in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.1). Immediate urinary continence was achieved in 38 (76%) and 20 (40%) of the patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.002). Urinary continence in first-month follow-up was achieved in 46 (92%) and 38 (76%) of the patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.02). Urinary continence in third-month follow-up was achieved in 48 (96%) and 47 (94%) of the patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.64). Mean UVA time was 16.8 and 21.2 minutes, respectively, in Group 1 and 2 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Because of our experience, use of a barbed suture for UVA during RARP seems to lead to better immediate and early (first month) urinary continence rates and a shorter UVA time.