New use of Foley catheter for precise vesicourethral anastomosis during radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Abstract

We describe a new method of using a Foley catheter to assist vesicourethral anastomosis during radical retropubic prostatectomy. A total of 81 patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with this technique. Followup ranged from 4 to 48 months. Peri-catheter urethrograms were performed at 3 weeks. Patients were evaluated specifically for bladder neck contracture, urinary continence and prolonged catheterization. Bladder neck contracture, occurred in 4.9% of the patients and 87.6% were completely continent of urine. Only 1 patient required extended postoperative catheterization. Use of a Foley catheter for vesicourethral anastomosis is consistent and simple, and provided good surgical results in our experience.