An easy and safe approach to separating Denonvilliers' fascia from rectum during radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Abstract

We describe a simple technique for excising Denonvilliers' fascia during nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy. After incision of the perirectal fascia Denonvilliers' fascia is bluntly mobilized off of the rectum digitally and by using an aortic clamp. This technique was used successfully in 200 consecutive cases of nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy since 1994 with no rectal injuries. This procedure guarantees simple and complete excision of Denonvilliers' fascia, which covers the posterior surface of the prostate during nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.