Robot-assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with en bloc prostatectomy using the Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy technique.

Abstract

The best surgical technique for rectal cancer invading the prostate remains controversial. Rectal resection with en bloc prostatectomy using a standard retropubic approach is an option but has disadvantages. We report a new surgical procedure applying Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. First, the rectum was mobilized mainly at its dorsal side. Next, the prostate was separated from the bladder and urethra via the pouch of Douglas approach without opening the Retzius cavity, after which the surgical specimen was extracted through the perineal wound. Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection was performed after vesicourethral anastomosis. This new robotic procedure minimizes surgical trauma and preserves normal pelvic anatomy. Furthermore, this approach makes it easy to perform subsequent lateral pelvic lymph node dissection.