Prerectal-transperineal approach for treatment of recurrent vesico-urethral anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy

Abstract Vesico-urethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) after radical prostatectomy is a narrowing of the vesicourethral anastomosis after radical prostatectomy. We aim to describe a safe re-anastomotic procedure for recurrent bladder neck contracture following radical prostatectomy (RP). This technique allows an easier access to the stenotic vesico-urethral anastomosis, a better mobilization of the bladder neck and a tension free re-anastomosis. Twelve patients suffering from VUAS after radical prostatectomy were enrolled between May 2014 and September 2018. We describe our approach to the disease. The evaluated outcomes were intra- and post-operative complications, stricture recurrence, and postoperative stress incontinence. Average operative time was 3 h. No major intraoperative complications or bleeding occurred. Patients were discharged after 72 h. At the time of catheter removal, 3 weeks after surgery, 9 out of twelve patients developed stress urinary incontinence, requiring 4 pads/day. Two patients with history of pelvic radiotherapy developed a surgical site abscess that required toilette and external urinary diversion. One recurrence occurred and was treated with internal urethrotomy before sphincter placement. No patient reported significant postoperative pain or fecal incontinence. Our approach allows direct access to the posterior urethra, and we demonstrate the advantages for treatment of VUAS to achieve a tension free anastomosis. All patients need to be informed of subsequent urinary incontinence to be treated with artificial sphincter placement. Patients with a history of pelvic radiotherapy show very poor preoperative conditions of the tissues and must be informed about the possibility of an external urinary diversion.