PERIANASTOMOTIC INJECTION OF AUTOLOGOUS FAT AT THE TIME OF RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY

Objectives. The present study represents the first attempt to improve urinary continence following radical prostatectomy (RP) by perianastomotic injection of autologous fat at the time of the surgical procedure. Methods. A total of 15 consecutive men with clinically localized carcinoma of the prostate underwent nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) with perianastomotic injection of autologous fat. The autologous fat was obtained using a liposuction cannula connected to a power aspirator. The fat was harvested from the adipose tissue immediately adjacent to the lower midline incision. After the pelvic floor musculature was perforated, a total of 30 ml of autologous fat was injected through a 12 gauge angiocatheter under cystoscopic guidance. Results. There were no complications resulting from the harvesting or injection of the autologous fat. All of the patients were evaluated for 6 months. Of the 15 patients, 12 (80%) achieved total urinary control within 6 months. The average time required to achieve total urinary continence was 89 days. None of the patients experienced total or nocturnal incontinence. Of the 3 patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), 2 required 2 small pads per day and 1 required 3 pads per day. Only 1 patient reported that the level of bother resulting from the incontinence was severe. Conclusions. The preliminary experiences with the perianastomotic fat injection at the time of RRP are encouraging. Determining the ultimate safety and effectiveness of this technique requires longer follow-up in expanded series of patients.