TRANSRECTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHICALLY ASSISTED RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY

Radical prostatectomy is associated with difficulty in determining the division site of the urethra adjacent to the apical region of the pro state. We present the results of a feasibility clinical trial in three patients to determine whether intraoperative transrectal ultrasonogra phy may assist during radical retropubic prostatectomy. Using this tec hnique the apex is readily identified and a detailed view of the ureth ral stump could be obtained. In one case residual apical tissue was id entified and excised. The creation of the vesicourethral anastomosis w as documented and its water tightness was demonstrated. We conclude th at transrectal ultrasonography can be performed during radical retropu bic prostatectomy and may be helpful in selected cases.