Prepubic urethrectomy with urethral stripping.

Abstract

Prepubic urethrectomy is a simple, safe alternative to perineal urethrectomy. The lithotomy position can be avoided and, thus, operative time and risk of deep venous thrombosis are decreased. We developed a simple modification because of difficulty in dissecting the bulbous urethra. From 1996 through 1998 prepubic urethrectomy was performed using a modified procedure in 21 patients with invasive bladder carcinoma undergoing radical cystectomy and supravesical diversion. After periurethral mobilization the urethra was cannulated with an 18F catheter, sutured distal and stripped free. Operative time decreased to 20 to 30 minutes with no significant postoperative complications. Our modification of prepubic urethrectomy is safe, fast and easy.