Randomized controlled trial comparing open anterograde anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy with retrograde technique

• Published in: Asian Journal of Urology 2023-04, Vol.10 (2), p.151-157
• Main Authors: Carrerette, Fabricio B., Rodeiro, Daniela B., Filho, Rui T.F., Santos, Paulo A., Lara, Celso C., Damião, Ronaldo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Continence; Localized prostate cancer; Original; Prostatectomy; Vesicourethral anastomosis
• ISSN: 2214-3882; 2214-3890
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2021.11.008

Objective: Radical prostatectomy is the recommended treatment for localized prostate cancer; however, it is an invasive procedure that can leave serious morbidity. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy was introduced with the aim of reducing postoperative morbidity and facilitating rapid recovery compared to the traditional Walsh's open radical retropubic prostatectomy. Therefore, a protocol was developed to perform an open prostatectomy comparable to that performed by robotics, but without involving novel instrumentation. Methods: A total of 220 patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer underwent radical prostatectomy. They were divided into two groups: anterograde technique (115 patients) and the retrograde method (105 patients). The study outcomes were observed 3 months after surgery. Results: No differences were found in terms of surgical time, hospital stay, and suction drainage. However, reduced bleeding was observed in the anterograde technique (p=0.0003), with rapid anastomosis duration (p=0.005). Among the patients, 60.9% undergoing the anterograde technique were continent 3 months after surgery compared to 42.9% treated by the retrograde method (p=0.007). Additionally, fewer complications in terms of the number (p=0.007) and severity (p=0.0006) were observed in the anterograde technique. Conclusion: The anterograde method displayed increased efficiency in reducing complications, compared to the retrograde technique.