No funding was obtained for this research.

This study has been submitted to the local ethics committee of Ghent University Hospital and institutional approval has been granted (EC UZG 2019/1506). The study has been registered in the Belgian study registry under reference B670201941650. All patients provided written informed consent.
1. Patient preparation and positioning
<ol>
	<li>Preparation
	<ol>
		<li>Follow contemporary internationally accepted guidelines to diagnose prostate cancer and to set the indication for ...

<ol>
	<li>Mottet, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=EAU-EANM-ESTRO-ESUR-SIOG+Guidelines+on+Prostate+Cancer-2020+Update.+Part+1:+Screening,+Diagnosis,+and+Local+Treatment+with+Curative+Intent.">EAU-EANM-ESTRO-ESUR-SIOG Guidelines on Prostate Cancer-2020 Update. Part 1: Screening, Diagnosis, and Local Treatment with Curative Intent.</a> European Urology. 79 (2), 243-262 (2021).</li><li>Ilic, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laparoscopic+and+robotic-assisted+versus+open+radical+prostatectomy+for+the+treatment+of+localised+prostate+cancer.">Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted versus open radical prostatectomy for the treatment of localised prostate cancer.</a> The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 9 (9), (2017).</li><li>Ab del Raheem, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retzius-sparing+robot-assisted+radical+prostatectomy+versus+open+retropubic+radical+prostatectomy:+a+prospective+comparative+study+with+19-month+follow-up.">Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy versus open retropubic radical prostatectomy: a prospective comparative study with 19-month follow-up.</a> Minerva Urologica e Nefrologica: The Italian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. 72 (5), 586-594 (2020).</li><li>Gandaglia, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparative+effectiveness+of+robot-assisted+and+open+radical+prostatectomy+in+the+postdissemination+era.">Comparative effectiveness of robot-assisted and open radical prostatectomy in the postdissemination era.</a> Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 32 (14), 1419-1426 (2014).</li><li>Ficarra, V., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Systematic+review+and+meta-analysis+of+studies+reporting+urinary+continence+recovery+after+robot-assisted+radical+prostatectomy.">Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting urinary continence recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.</a> European Urology. 62 (3), 405-417 (2012).</li><li>Martini, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contemporary+techniques+of+prostate+dissection+for+robot-assisted+prostatectomy.">Contemporary techniques of prostate dissection for robot-assisted prostatectomy.</a> European Urology. 78 (4), 583-591 (2020).</li><li>Galfano, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+new+anatomic+approach+for+robot-assisted+laparoscopic+prostatectomy:+a+feasibility+study+for+completely+intrafascial+surgery.">A new anatomic approach for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: a feasibility study for completely intrafascial surgery.</a> European Urology. 58 (3), 457-461 (2010).</li><li>Checcucci, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retzius-sparing+robot-assisted+radical+prostatectomy+vs+the+standard+approach:+a+systematic+review+and+analysis+of+comparative+outcomes.">Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy vs the standard approach: a systematic review and analysis of comparative outcomes.</a> BJU International. 125 (1), 8-16 (2020).</li><li>Montorsi, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Best+practices+in+robot-assisted+radical+prostatectomy:+recommendations+of+the+Pasadena+Consensus+Panel.">Best practices in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: recommendations of the Pasadena Consensus Panel.</a> European Urology. 62 (3), 368-381 (2012).</li><li>Stabile, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Multiparametric+MRI+for+prostate+cancer+diagnosis:+current+status+and+future+directions.">Multiparametric MRI for prostate cancer diagnosis: current status and future directions.</a> Nature Reviews. Urology. 17 (1), 41-61 (2020).</li><li>Dindo, D., Demartines, N., Clavien, P. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Classification+of+surgical+complications:+a+new+proposal+with+evaluation+in+a+cohort+of+6336+patients+and+results+of+a+survey.">Classification of surgical complications: a new proposal with evaluation in a cohort of 6336 patients and results of a survey.</a> Annals of Surgery. 240 (2), 205-213 (2004).</li><li>Xylinas, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+combined+oncological+and+functional+outcomes+after+radical+prostatectomy:+trifecta+rate+of+achieving+continence,+potency+and+cancer+control--a+literature+review.">Evaluation of combined oncological and functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy: trifecta rate of achieving continence, potency and cancer control--a literature review.</a> Urology. 76 (5), 1194-1198 (2010).</li><li>Walz, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+critical+analysis+of+the+current+knowledge+of+surgical+anatomy+related+to+optimization+of+cancer+control+and+preservation+of+continence+and+erection+in+candidates+for+radical+prostatectomy.">A critical analysis of the current knowledge of surgical anatomy related to optimization of cancer control and preservation of continence and erection in candidates for radical prostatectomy.</a> European Urology. 57 (2), 179-192 (2010).</li><li>Walz, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+critical+analysis+of+the+current+knowledge+of+surgical+anatomy+of+the+prostate+related+to+optimisation+of+cancer+control+and+preservation+of+continence+and+erection+in+candidates+for+radical+prostatectomy:+An+update.">A critical analysis of the current knowledge of surgical anatomy of the prostate related to optimisation of cancer control and preservation of continence and erection in candidates for radical prostatectomy: An update.</a> European Urology. 70 (2), 301-311 (2016).</li><li>Albisinni, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Systematic+review+comparing+Anterior+vs+Retzius-sparing+robotic+assisted+radical+prostatectomy:+can+the+approach+really+make+a+difference.">Systematic review comparing Anterior vs Retzius-sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: can the approach really make a difference.</a> Minerva Urology and Nephrology. , (2021).</li><li>Menon, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+recovery,+oncologic+outcomes+and+postoperative+complications+after+robot-assisted+radical+prostatectomy:+An+evidence-based+analysis+comparing+the+Retzius+sparing+and+standard+approaches.">Functional recovery, oncologic outcomes and postoperative complications after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: An evidence-based analysis comparing the Retzius sparing and standard approaches.</a> The Journal of Urology. 199 (5), 1210-1217 (2018).</li><li>Olivero, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retzius-sparing+robotic+radical+prostatectomy+for+surgeons+in+the+learning+curve:+A+propensity+score-matching+analysis.">Retzius-sparing robotic radical prostatectomy for surgeons in the learning curve: A propensity score-matching analysis.</a> European Urology Focus. 7 (4), 772-778 (2021).</li><li>Galfano, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retzius-sparing+robot-assisted+radical+prostatectomy:+early+learning+curve+experience+in+three+continents.">Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: early learning curve experience in three continents.</a> BJU International. 127 (4), 412-417 (2021).</li><li>Galfano, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Beyond+the+learning+curve+of+the+Retzius-sparing+approach+for+robot-assisted+laparoscopic+radical+prostatectomy:+oncologic+and+functional+results+of+the+first+200+patients+with+&gt;/=+1+year+of+follow-up.">Beyond the learning curve of the Retzius-sparing approach for robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: oncologic and functional results of the first 200 patients with &gt;/= 1 year of follow-up.</a> European Urology. 64 (6), 974-980 (2013).</li><li>Hoffman, K. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Patient-reported+outcomes+through+5+years+for+active+surveillance,+surgery,+brachytherapy,+or+external+beam+radiation+with+or+without+androgen+deprivation+therapy+for+localized+prostate+cancer.">Patient-reported outcomes through 5 years for active surveillance, surgery, brachytherapy, or external beam radiation with or without androgen deprivation therapy for localized prostate cancer.</a> JAMA. 323 (2), 149-163 (2020).</li><li>Dalela, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+pragmatic+randomized+controlled+trial+examining+the+impact+of+the+Retzius-sparing+approach+on+early+urinary+continence+recovery+after+robot-assisted+radical+prostatectomy.">A pragmatic randomized controlled trial examining the impact of the Retzius-sparing approach on early urinary continence recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.</a> European Urology. 72 (5), 677-685 (2017).</li><li>Yossepowitch, O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Positive+surgical+margins+after+radical+prostatectomy:+a+systematic+review+and+contemporary+update.">Positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and contemporary update.</a> European Urology. 65 (2), 303-313 (2014).</li><li>Vale, C. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adjuvant+or+early+salvage+radiotherapy+for+the+treatment+of+localised+and+locally+advanced+prostate+cancer:+a+prospectively+planned+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis+of+aggregate+data.">Adjuvant or early salvage radiotherapy for the treatment of localised and locally advanced prostate cancer: a prospectively planned systematic review and meta-analysis of aggregate data.</a> Lancet. 396 (10260), 1422-1431 (2020).</li><li>Lumen, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Safe+introduction+of+robot-assisted+radical+prostatectomy+after+a+training+program+in+a+high-volume+robotic+centre.">Safe introduction of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy after a training program in a high-volume robotic centre.</a> Urologia Internationalis. 91 (2), 145-152 (2013).</li><li>Galfano, A., Secco, S., Bocciardi, A. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mottrie+A.+Retzius-sparing+robot-assisted+laparoscopic+radical+prostatectomy:+An+international+survey+on+surgical+details+and+worldwide+diffusion.">Mottrie A. Retzius-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: An international survey on surgical details and worldwide diffusion.</a> European Urology Focus. 6 (5), 1021-1023 (2020).</li><li>Checcucci, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Precision+prostate+cancer+surgery:+an+overview+of+new+technologies+and+techniques.">Precision prostate cancer surgery: an overview of new technologies and techniques.</a> Minerva Urologica e Nefrologica: The Italian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. 71 (5), 487-501 (2019).</li><li>Grasso, A. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Posterior+musculofascial+reconstruction+after+radical+prostatectomy:+an+updated+systematic+review+and+a+meta-analysis.">Posterior musculofascial reconstruction after radical prostatectomy: an updated systematic review and a meta-analysis.</a> BJU International. 118 (1), 20-34 (2016).</li><li>Manfredi, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Total+anatomical+reconstruction+during+robot-assisted+radical+prostatectomy:+focus+on+urinary+continence+recovery+and+related+complications+after+1000+procedures.">Total anatomical reconstruction during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: focus on urinary continence recovery and related complications after 1000 procedures.</a> BJU international. 124 (3), 477-486 (2019).</li></ol>

The authors have no conflicts of interest.

During RS-RARP, the whole procedure is performed by approaching the bladder through the posterior end. Consequently, the main difference with SA-RARP is the preservation of the Retzius&#39; space. Preservation of Retzius&#39; space has several anatomical advantages7: First, the bladder is not detached from the abdominal wall and the umbilical ligaments are not transected. Therefore, the bladder remains in its anatomical position. Second, the anterior detrusor apron and puboprostatic ligaments are ...

To cure localized and selected cases of locally advanced prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy is one of the recommended treatment options1. Minimal invasive techniques (conventional laparoscopy and robot-assisted laparoscopy) have the advantage to lower blood loss, postoperative pain, and duration of hospitalization as compared to open radical prostatectomy2,3. Among the minimal invasive techniques, robot-assisted surgery combines the advantages of minimal invasive surgery with increased dexterity and freedom of movement of the surgical instruments and with 3-dimensional perioperative vision. In well-resourced countries, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become the predominant mode to perform radical prostatectomy4.
Urinary incontinence, temporary or definitive, is a common side effect of radical prostatectomy, irrespective of the mode by which it has been performed5. With open (abdominal), laparoscopic, and &#34;standard&#34; anterior RARP (SA-RARP), radical prostatectomy is performed by an anterior approach in which the retropubic (Retzius&#39;) space is opened6. Thanks to the increased dexterity associated with RARP, an alternative anatomic approach is possible in which the prostate is resected through the rectovesical pouch or Douglas&#39; pouch as first described by Galfano et al.7. This posterior approach leaves the Retzius&#39; space intact (&#34;Retzius-sparing RARP&#34;; RS-RARP). The main advantage of RS-RARP appears to be a higher and faster recovery of urinary continence8. This study aims to describe in detail (as suggested by the Pasadena consensus panel9) the steps of RS-RARP supported by audiovisual material and to report on the early functional and oncological outcomes of the first cases in a single center.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>adhesive tape</td>
			<td>BSNmedical</td>
			<td>15200028</td>
			<td>Tensoplast</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>assistant trocar 5mm</td>
			<td>Aesculap</td>
			<td>EKO17R</td>
			<td>reusable trocar</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>assistant trocar 12mm</td>
			<td>Conmed</td>
			<td>iAS12-120LPi</td>
			<td>AirSeal trocar</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>barbed wire</td>
			<td>Covidien</td>
			<td>VLOCM0024</td>
			<td>for vesico-urethral anastomosis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cadiere forceps</td>
			<td>Intuitive</td>
			<td>470049</td>
			<td>robotic instrument, grasper</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>camera 30&#176;</td>
			<td>Intuitive</td>
			<td>470027</td>
			<td>endoscope</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>cefazolin</td>
			<td>Sandoz</td>
			<td>BE217296</td>
			<td>Belgian farmaceutical registration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CO2-insufflator</td>
			<td>Conmed</td>
			<td>AS-iFS2</td>
			<td>AirSeal insufflator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Da Vinci Xi system</td>
			<td>Intuitive</td>
			<td>600062</td>
			<td>robotic system</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>endobag</td>
			<td>Covidien</td>
			<td>173050G</td>
			<td>Endo Catch 10mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>endoscopic hem-o-lok applier</td>
			<td>Teleflex</td>
			<td>544995T</td>
			<td>to apply the locking clips</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fenestrated bipolar forceps</td>
			<td>Intuitive</td>
			<td>470205</td>
			<td>robotic instrument, bipolar forceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hasson cone 8mm trocar</td>
			<td>Intuitive</td>
			<td>470398</td>
			<td>only at the camera trocar</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>heparin, low molecular weight (enoxaparin)</td>
			<td>Sanofi</td>
			<td>BE144347</td>
			<td>Belgian farmaceutical registration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>hydrogel coated latex transurethral catheter</td>
			<td>Bard</td>
			<td>D226416</td>
			<td>Biocath</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>insufflation cable</td>
			<td>Conmed</td>
			<td>ASM-EVAC1</td>
			<td>AirSeal Tri-lumen filtered tube set</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>laparoscopic grasper</td>
			<td>Aesculap</td>
			<td>PO235R</td>
			<td>Atraumatic wave grasper, double action</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>large needle driver</td>
			<td>Intuitive</td>
			<td>470006</td>
			<td>roboic instrument, needle driver</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>locking clip</td>
			<td>Grena</td>
			<td>5-13mm</td>
			<td>Click&#39;aVplus</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>metallic clips 5mm</td>
			<td>Aesculap</td>
			<td>PL453SU</td>
			<td>for vessel ligation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>monopolar curved scissor</td>
			<td>Intuitive</td>
			<td>470179</td>
			<td>robotic instrument, hot shears</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>mosquito clamp</td>
			<td>Innovia Medical</td>
			<td>MQC2025-D</td>
			<td>to secure bladder suspension stitch</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>natriumlaurylsulfoacetate-sorbitol-natriumcitratedihydrate clysma</td>
			<td>Johnson &#38; Johnson Consumer BV</td>
			<td>RVG 05069</td>
			<td>Belgian farmaceutical registration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>polyglactin 3.0 suture</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>V442H</td>
			<td>stay suture bladder neck, subcutaneous sutures</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>polyglactin 1 suture</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>D9708</td>
			<td>stay suture fascia and fascia closurie</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>povidone-iodine alcoholic solution</td>
			<td>Mylan</td>
			<td>BE230736</td>
			<td>Belgian farmaceutical registration</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>robotic trocar 8mm</td>
			<td>Intuitive</td>
			<td>470002</td>
			<td>standard length</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Skin stapler</td>
			<td>Covidien</td>
			<td>8886803712</td>
			<td>skin closure</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sterile drapes robotic arms</td>
			<td>Intuitive</td>
			<td>470015</td>
			<td>draping system robotic arms</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>suction-irrigation device</td>
			<td>Geyi</td>
			<td>GYSL-5X330</td>
			<td>laparoscopic use by assitant</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>suspension sutures</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>628H</td>
			<td>Ethilon 2-0 nylon suture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>thrombo-embolus deterrent stockings</td>
			<td>Covidien</td>
			<td>7203</td>
			<td>T.E.D. stockings</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>warming blanket device</td>
			<td>3M</td>
			<td>54200</td>
			<td>Bear Hugger</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

The technique of Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) and initial experience with it at a single center are provided. The technique is described step-by-step and further illustrated by a video to enhance reproducibility. Early oncological and functional results were evaluated. In total, 77 patients were included with a median follow-up of 11 months (range: 3-21 months). Fifty-one percent of patients had local high-risk or locally advanced prostate cancer. There were no intra-operative complications, and all high-grade complications (2.6%) were related to pelvic lymph node dissection performed concomitant with RS-RARP. Median operation time was 160 min (range: 122-265 min) and median hospital stay was 3 (range: 3-8) days. A positive surgical margin was reported in 42.9%. One-year biochemical recurrence-free survival was 90.1%. After 6 months, all patients were socially continent and after 1 year, 94.3% were fully continent. Of sexually active patients who underwent at least unilateral nerve-sparing, 43.3% were able to have sexual intercourse. This series underlines the surgical safety of performing RS-RARP by a standardized technique and confirms the beneficial effect on the early return of continence. The patient needs to be informed about the risk of a positive surgical margin.

All patients with local or locally advanced prostate cancer with a life expectancy &#62;10 years and with no anesthesiologic contra-indications were offered RS-RARP as one of the treatment options for their disease. Patients undergoing cytoreductive radical prostatectomy for metastatic prostate cancer in the context of a clinical trial or salvage radical prostatectomy were not offered RS-RARP, and patients with anterior tumors were preferably offered SA-RARP. Patients with a follow-up of fewer than 3 months were excluded...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy at JoVE.com

Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Robot-assisted Retzius-sparing radical prostatectomy is a technique that enables to preserve urinary continence or facilitates recovery of urinary continence in the majority of patients. Patients must be informed about the risk of a positive surgical margin.

The technique of Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) and initial experience with it at a single center are provided. The ...

The Retzius-sparing robot-assisted approach improves functional outcomes in patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy. The Retzius-sparing robot-assisted approach improves early return of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. To begin, place the patient in a supine position, securing the arms and legs.Then, to enable trocar insertion, make a 2 to 2.5-centimeter skin incision longitudinally, about one centimeter above the umbilicus. Insert an eight-millimeter robotic camera trocar with Hasson cone on the peritoneal cavity, and attach the clamps of the cones to the stay sutures at the fascia. Bring the patient to a 30 to 35 degrees Trendelenburg position to free the minor pelvis from the small bowel.Then, horizontally to the camera trocar, place two eight-millimeter trocars for the robotic instruments on the left of the camera trocar, and one on the right, keeping a six to eight centimeter distance between trocars. Move the patient cart to the right hand side of the patient, until the third arm is connected to the camera trocar. Connect the three other eight-millimeter trocars with at least 10-centimeter distance between the arms to avoid collision during operative movements.To access the seminal vesicles, incise the peritoneum above the vas deferens on both sides, and continue medially until these incisions reach each other. At the lateral edge of the incision, dissect the vas deferens in a circumferential fashion and transect it. Then, dissect the vas deferens medially, until the tip of the seminal vesicle is reached.If there's no evidence of seminal vesicle invasion, peel off the Denonvilliers'fascia, medially from the vast deferens. After dissection, secure the vessels at the tip and lateral surface of the seminal vesicle by bipolar hemostasis, and transect them. For lateral dissection of the prostate, retract the seminal vesicle medially using Cadiere forceps for the right side, and an assistant laparoscopic grasper for the left side.To facilitate access to the prostate and bladder neck, place a straight needle with a non-resorbable suture through the upper part of the peritoneal incision, two to three centimeters above the pubic bone, just medially from the medial umbilical ligament. Perforate the upper part of the peritoneal incision and the underlying fatty tissue with the straight needle. For handling of erectile nerves with the bilateral nerve sparing approach, create a plane by blunt dissection between the prostatic fascia and the Denonvilliers'fascia, up to the apex of the prostate and laterally until the prostatic vessels are encountered.For the non-nerve sparing approach, as in this case, incise the Denonvilliers'fascia one to two milliliters below the prostate base. Then, dissect the anterior surface of the rectum and more laterally, in the perirectal fatty tissue. For the unilateral nerve sparing approach, first, perform the bilateral nerve sparing method at the side of nerve sparing, and the non-nerve sparing method at the side of non-nerve sparing.Then, incise the Denonvilliers'fascia at the midline, above the rectal wall. Next, bring the prostatic pedicle under tension and make a window with the monopolar scissors. Secure the part of the pedicle using a large polymer locking clip, applied through the 12-millimeter assistant trocars.Then, transect at the prostatic side of the clip. Peel off the neurovascular bundle from the prostatic fascia by blunt dissection, and by keeping the bundle under slight tension using a progressive medial and upward retraction with the Cadiere forceps. For the dissection of the bladder neck, grasp the seminal vesicles by Cadiere forceps and retract them downward to create tension between the bladder neck and prostate base.Then, make a one-centimeter incision of the mucosa at the posterior aspect of the bladder neck to inspect the urethral catheter. Place an absorbable polyglactin 3/0 suture at the posterior aspect of the bladder neck. Then, grasp the stay suture with the fenestrated bipolar forceps, and move upward until the anterior part of the bladder neck becomes visible.Incise the mucosa further, to release the bladder neck from the base of the prostate. Then, place a second stay suture at the anterior aspect of the bladder neck, before completely releasing the bladder neck. For anterior dissection, follow the anterior surface of the prostate using a combination of blunt dissection and monopolar incision, sparing the Santorini's plexus, the puboprostatic ligaments, and the Retzius space.For the prostatic apex dissection, make a one to two-millimeter incision of the circular fibers of the urethra, caudally toward the apex of the prostate. Then, push the circular fibers toward the apex of the prostate to expose the inner longitudinal layer of the urethra. Transect the inner layer as close to the prostate as possible to preserve the sphincter.Insert an endo bag through the 12-millimeter assistant trocar to put in the prostate and seminal vesicles. To identify the bladder neck and mucosa of the bladder. pull the anterior stay suture.Then, place the first suture of the first absorbable barbed wire outside in, just the lateral to the right of the 12 o'clock position on the bladder neck. Identify the urethra by moving the tip of the urethral catheter into the membranous urethra, before placing the suture on the urethra inside out and slightly lateral to the right of the 12 o'clock position. Then, place the first suture of the second absorbable barbed wire outside in, lateral to the left of the 12 o'clock position on the bladder neck, and inside out on the urethra at the same position.Repeat the suturing with the second barbed wire outside in on the bladder neck, and inside out on the urethra twice, until the nine o'clock position is reached. Perform suturing on the right side with the first barbed wire outside in on the bladder neck, and inside out on the urethra until the six o'clock position is reached. Then, continue the anastomosis on the left side, going from the nine o'clock to the six o'clock position.Once done, grasp the tip of the catheter to place in the bladder and insufflate the balloon. Then, tighten the last sutures on the left and right sides, until the bladder and urethral mucosa are approximated. Check the water tightness of the anastomosis by instilling 120 milliliters of water in the bladder.Using remains of the barbed wires, close the peritoneal incision from medial to lateral on both sides. To extract the prostate, incise the supraumbilical skin and fascia incision. Then, close all skin incisions with skin staplers.In this study, 77 patients were treated with Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radial prostatectomy. The median patient age was 65, with a serum prostate-specific antigen of 7.7 nanograms per milliliter. The preoperative tumor characteristics of patients are summarized in the table.The median operation time was 160 minutes, and the median hospital stay was three days. Nine patients developed grade one complications due to prolonged urinary catheter stay. Two patients suffered a high grade complication consisting of an infected lymphocele, requiring percutaneous drainage.One patient was treated with antibiotics for an infected lymphocele. 37 patients had either extra capsule or extension, or seminal vesicle invasion on final pathological examination. The other 40 patients were classified with PT2 disease.Furthermore, a positive surgical margin was reported in 33 patients. After a follow up of 11 months, seven patients suffered a biochemical recurrence. In postoperative continent status, after three months, 71 patients were socially continent.After six months, all evaluable patients were socially continent. Full continence was achieved in 43 patients after three months. Full continence gradually increased, and after 12 months, 94.3%of a evaluable patients were fully continent.The detailed information on the potency status of sexually active patients with at least one year follow up is shown here. During anterior dissection, sparing of the Santorini's plexus, the puboprostatic ligaments, and the Retzius space, are crucial to improve the functional outcome of this approach. The procedure can also be performed by the classic robot anterior approach, or even the open approach.The question remains, whether these approaches yield the same oncological and functional outcomes.

retzius-sparing-robot-assisted-radical-prostatectomy

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

7.0K visualizações.  Ghent University Hospital. A abordagem assistida por robô poupador de Retzius melhora os resultados funcionais em pacientes com câncer de próstata submetidos a prostatectomia radical. A abordagem assistida por robô poupador de Retzius melhora o retorno precoce da continência urinária após a prostatectomia radical. Para começar, coloque o paciente em decúbito dorsal, prendendo os braços e as pernas.Em seguida, para permitir a inserção de trocarte, faça uma incisão cutânea de 2 a 2,5 centímetros lo...