Modified posterior reconstruction of the rhabdosphincter: application to robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Abstract

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is being performed more frequently as a treatment for presumed localized prostate cancer. With the stage migration that has occurred in prostate cancer diagnosis, urologists are now frequently treating younger men with organ-confined disease, who have good preoperative urinary and sexual function [1]. As the recovery period shortens, issues such as urinary incontinence play a larger role in the patient’s perception of recovery. Surgeons are making technical modifications to their surgical approach to improve ‘early continence’ after prostatectomy.In 2001, Rocco F. et al. [2] described a technique for posterior reconstruction of the rhabdosphincter. This entailed a two-layered reconstruction with apposition of the free edge of Denovilliers’ fascia and the posterior bladder with the posterior aspect of the