Application of fibrin sealant at the urethrovesical anastomosis in robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: does it enable earlier Foley catheter and Jackson-Pratt drain removal?

Leakage at the urethrovesical anastomosis in the post-operative period can result in morbidity including ileus. We examined the effectiveness of using a fibrin sealant at the anastomosis to limit urine leakage thereby facilitating earlier Jackson-Pratt drain and Foley catheter removal following robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALRP). Forty consecutive patients underwent RALRP by one surgeon at our institution.

Robotic prostatectomy surgery.

Despite the minimally invasive nature of the robotic prostatectomy procedure, there are still many cultural, environmental, and social issues that must be addressed. The following case study emphasizes that patient education is key to successful outcomes following robotic prostatectomy.

Care of the patient undergoing robotic-assisted prostatectomy.

Prostate cancer has many treatment options. In addition to open retropubic and perineal approaches to radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy is available as a newer surgical option. Potential advantages of robotic surgery include reduced pain and trauma, less blood loss, reduced infection risk, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and less scarring (Intuitive Surgical, 2005).