Management of the dorsal vein complex during radical retropubic prostatectomy

Semin Urol Oncol. 2000 Feb;18(1):33-7.

Abstract

An understanding of the prostatic dorsal venous anatomy allows dissection of the prostatic apex in a manner that results in minimal bleeding while preserving the rhabdosphincter, urethra, and neurovascular bundles during radical retropubic prostatectomy. This article reviews the pertinent venous anatomy of the prostatic apex. A surgical technique is described that allows secure venous control and that has resulted in consistently low blood loss and an allogeneic transfusion rate of less than 1% of patients.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Loss, Surgical / prevention & control*
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostate / blood supply*
  • Prostate / surgery
  • Prostatectomy / adverse effects
  • Prostatectomy / methods*
  • Urethra / anatomy & histology
  • Urethra / blood supply