Double-pigtail stenting of the ureters: technique for securing the ureteral orifices during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for large median lobes

J Endourol. 2009 Dec;23(12):1975-7. doi: 10.1089/end.2009.0133.

Abstract

Patients with large median prostate lobes undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy are at potential risk of ureteric orifice injury, during posterior bladder neck transection and vesicourethral anastomosis reconstruction. We describe our technique of in situ robot-assisted ureteral stenting with double-pigtail stents for accurate observation and preservation of the ureteral orifices. We have performed this maneuver in over 30 patients in our cohort of over 1500 patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy to date--none of these patients developed urinary leak or bladder neck contracture, and had uneventful cystoscopic removal of stents at 6 weeks after surgery.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostate / pathology*
  • Prostate / surgery*
  • Prostatectomy / methods*
  • Robotics*
  • Stents*
  • Ureter / surgery*
  • Urinary Bladder / surgery