Laparoscopic retropubic prostatectomy: initial experience

Abstract

Introduction: The surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia includes transurethral resection and suprapubic prostatectomy depending on prostate volume. The laparoscopic access creates a minimally invasive alternative to conventional suprapubic prostatectomy. Objective: to assess the feasibility of the open laparoscopic technique. Patients and methods: Between June 2006 and October 2009, 15 patients underwent laparoscopic retropubic prostatectomy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Laparoscopic access was used as a minimally invasive alternative to open adenomectomy. Patient characteristics and prostate volume were assessed, as well as complications in the early and late perioperative and postoperative stages. Results: Mean age was 68 years (62-75 years), mean prostate weight 123 grams (70-190 grams). Time of surgery ranged from 120 to 220 minutes. Mean estimated blood loss was 450 mL and transfusion was required for one patient. Mean hospital stay was three days. Time with indwelling catheter was six days and time of bladder irrigation was of one day for all patients. Anatomicopathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of BPH in all cases. Among postoperative complications, one patient had a superficial surgical wound infec