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

J Urol. 1999 May;161(5):1533-4.

Abstract

Purpose: We describe a simple technique for excising Denonvilliers' fascia during nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Materials and methods: After incision of the perirectal fascia Denonvilliers' fascia is bluntly mobilized off of the rectum digitally and by using an aortic clamp.

Results: This technique was used successfully in 200 consecutive cases of nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy since 1994 with no rectal injuries.

Conclusions: This procedure guarantees simple and complete excision of Denonvilliers' fascia, which covers the posterior surface of the prostate during nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

MeSH terms

  • Fascia
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Prostatectomy / methods*
  • Rectum