SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE FOR IMPROVING EXPOSURE OF THE APICAL PROSTATE DURING RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY

We describe a rapid and easily learned technique that greatly assists in exposure of the apical prostate during radical retropubic prostatectomy. The technique is a modification of the previously reported ''bunching'' maneuver. A curved Kocher clamp is used to compress the dorsal vein complex and surrounding fascia into a tight midline bundle. Once transected, dissection of the prostatomembranous urethra, neurovascular bundles, and apical prostate is markedly facilitated.