ANTERIOR BLADDER NECK TUBE RECONSTRUCTION AT RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY PRESERVES FUNCTIONAL URETHRAL LENGTH - A COMPARATIVE URODYNAMIC STUDY

Objectives To characterize the continence mechanism of anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at the time of radical prostatectomy using urodynamic evaluation. Patients and methods Prospective pre- and postoperative urodynamic profiles were performed in patients receiving conventional posterior 'racket handle' closures (control group - eight patients) and those receiving anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at radical prostatectomy (study group - nine patients). Bladder neck tube reconstruction was performed by constructing 2 cm anterior bladder neck tubes over 22 F catheters. Results A significantly longer post-operative functional urethral length was demonstrated using urodynamic assessment in patients receiving an anterior bladder neck tube closure (4.6 vs 3.4 cm; P<0.01). Conclusion The anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction may promote urinary continence in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy by preservation of functional urethral length.