RESUMO
Objective To describe the single needle running suture method for the urethrovesi-cal anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy(LRP). Methods Forty-five patients of prostate cancer underwent LRP with the single needle running suture method. The technique was initi-ated by performing a fixing suture at the posterior lip of bladder neck at 4 o' clock and tying the first knot. Another suture at the nearby position of the first suture was performed to leave the first knot outside. From 5 o' clock to 8 o' clock, sutures were performed every one o' clock to secure posterior approximation, then every two o'clock a suture. To avoid a loose anastomosis, lock sutures were per-formed every 3 sutures. After completing the full circumference, the needle was drawn at the 2 o' clock for the second knot. The needle was always driven full-thickness outside-in in the bladder neck and inside-out on the urethra. Any remaining leakage could be closed with additional interrupted su-tures. Results All urethrovesical anastomosis were completed successfully. The mean anastomosis time was 16 rain(from 12 to 25 min), and mean operative time was 132 rain (112 to 185 rain). The mean catheterization time was 9 d(7 to 14 d). Three temporal urinary leaks requiring prolonged cathe-terization were identified. Forty-four patients had total urinary control in 1 year postoperatively and no other short-term or persistent complication was found with a mean follow-up of 21 months. Conclu- sion The single needle running suture method could be a simple and safe method for urethrovesical anastomosis during LRP.