Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract

Radical prostatectomy (RP) involves removing the entire prostate with its capsule intact and the seminal vesicles (SV). In this video article, we summarized the extraperitoneal laparoscopic RP with pelvic lymph node dissection procedure along with a video presentation of a case. The patient is placed in a Trendelenburg position. Through a small transverse infraumblical incision, the anterior rectus aponeurosis is identified and incised. The extraperitoneal surgical field is developed bluntly by a balloon dilator, and a 10 mm trocar is placed for the camera. CO2 insufflation at a 12-15 mmHg pressure is established, and the remaining trocars are placed. The fatty tissue is swept laterally to create a wide operative field. The endopelvic fascia is incised on both sides. The levator ani muscle fibers are separated from the lateral surface of the prostate. Dorsal vascular complex (DVC) is ligated with 2 consecutive sutures. Identification of the bladder neck (BN) is critical for proper dissection between the prostate and the BN. BN is incised until the catheter is seen. The urethral catheter is removed and a Bougie dilator is inserted through the urethra to elevate the prostate. With posterior oblique dissection, the vasa deferentia are exposed and clip-ligated, and SVs are identified and freed. Then, lateral pedicles are ligated with hemoclips and divided. Lateral dissection proceeds with an anterolateral incision from the base to the prostatic apex. The neurovascular bundles lie posterolateral to the prostate. Apical dissection and division of the DVC and urethra is a critical step to ensure a safe surgical margin and good postoperative erectile function and continence. The urethra is divided with a small rim on the prostate. The gland is totally freed, put into an endobag, and extracted. The vesicourethral anastomosis is done using two 3-0 monocryl sutures in a running fashion, starting from the posterior in both direction and tied together at the 12 o'clock position, anteriorly.