Outcome of precise vesicourethral anastomosis following retropubic radicalprostatectomy using a Foley catheter

Purpose: In order to evaluate precise anastomosis using a Foley catheter, c omplications following radical retropubic prostatectomy were examined. Methods: Twenty-one patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy. Pr ecise vesicourethral anastomosis was performed, visualizing the urethral st ump by raising up the urogenital diaphragm using a Foley catheter. Complica tions, such as prolonged urinary extravasation and temporary urinary retent ion, were checked when the catheter was removed. Incontinence was evaluated both within 6 weeks and more than 6 weeks after operation. Anastomotic and urethral strictures were also checked during follow up. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 47 months (mean (+/- SD) 22. 0 +/- 12.1 months). Eighteen of 21 patients (85.7%) achieved continence aft er the operation. However, two patients still had stress incontinence and o ne patient had mild incontinence. Neither prolonged urinary extravasation n or temporally urinary retention were observed. Anastomotic and urethral str icture were not experienced during follow up. Conclusions. Precise anastomosis using a Foley catheter is technically easy and useful, even for relatively inexperienced urologists, to perform. Pati ents can often achieve continence following this procedure.