Barre Radical
Barre Radical
Surgical Instruments
Barré-Instruments
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
Content
1. Introduction 4
2. General recommendations 5
3. Surgical technique 6
3.1 Incision and exposure 6
3.2 Exposure of the prostate apex 6
3.3 Preservation of the striated sphincter 7
3.4 Nerve sparing 10
3.5 Dissection of the seminal vesicles and section of the bladder neck 12
3.6 Excision of the seminal vesicles 13
3.7 Visual inspection of the specimen 13
3.8 Vesicourethral anastomosis 14
4. References 15
5. Instruments 16
6. Index 26
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Barré-Instruments
Introduction
Surgery in Motion
"Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy"
Dr. Christian Barré, Clinique Jules Verne, Nantes, France
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
General recommendations
Parameter Recommendation
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Barré-Instruments
We describe the steps of an RP protocol developed on ❙ Make an incision in the endopelvic fascia extending
the basis of a personal series of >1500 RPs and charact- from the prostate base to the puboprostatic ligament
erised by: (1) high-quality preservation of the sphincter (Fig. 1a). Transect the puboprostatic ligaments.
within its anatomic environment, using a surgical knife ❙ Free the levator ani muscle fibres at the prostate apex.
and not scissors for high-precision dissection; (2) retro- This is a more delicate manoeuvre because of the
grade dissection of the neurovascular bundles; and (3) depth of dissection, the thickness of thefibres, and the
a standard procedure foreach step of the RP, thus yiel- presence of venous pedicles originating from the pel-
ding a reproducible protocol independent of individual vic sidewall (Fig. 1b and c).
patient anatomy. ❙ Dissect similarly on both sides.
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
Fig. 2b
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Barré-Instruments
❙ Divide the dorsal vein complex with a sharp surgical The incision should be made with great care and stop
knife (BB176R - BB178R) [Fig. 2c]. When two thirds of as soon as the muscle fibres are visible. The roof of
the section is complete, displace the prostatic retractor the sphincter, with its fibres moving up towards the
a few centimetres back against the anterior surface of prostate apex, should now be perfectly exposed.
the prostate. Exert gentle pressure on the retractor to Make a crown-shaped 4/0 running suture on the
obtain a horizontal urethral plane and thus good dorsal vein complex and on each side of the lateral
exposure [Fig. 2d, 2e]. pelvic fascia [Fig. 3b].
❙ Control bleeding by a continuous U-shaped suture ❙ Divide the urethra at 1 mm from the apex, down to
behind the clamp [Fig. 2f]. the catheter, leaving a little muscle over the apex
❙ Divide the remaining part of the dorsal vein complex [Fig. 3c, 3d].
and the lateral pelvic fascia covering the front and ❙ Grab the urethral catheter with forceps and bring its
sides of the sphincter with an angled scalpel with a distal end into the surgical field. Clamp, then cut the
rounded blade. Start the incision medially and proceed catheter to provide traction.
towards the lateral pelvic fascia until 1 mm from the ❙ Remove the prostatic retractor and place a urethral
prostate apex [Fig. 3a]. retractor to expose the urethra. Gently push the pro-
state backwards and tighten the urethral mucosa.
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
Place 3-0 absorbable sutures as landmarks on the In cases of posterior overhang [10], follow the con-
anterior edge of the urethra in anticipation of anato- tours of the prostate apex with care.
mosis [Fig. 3e]. Gentle traction on the retractor ❙ Incise the remaining layers of Denonvilliers’ fascia
straightens the urethra and exposes the urethral transversally with a pointed bistoury, a few milli-
mucosa buldges over the posterior sphincter fibres. meters from the apex, in a narrow midline position
❙ Divide the urethral mucosa, submucous chorion, and in order not to injure the nerves located laterally
smooth muscle (of variable thickness) with a pointed [Fig. 4c].
blade, by tracking the posterior striated fibres of the ❙ Expose the median rectal prostate plane with
sphincter (Fig. 4a). Once divided, they slide over the Metzenbaum scissors, leaving the Denonvilliers' fascia
plane of the striated fibres and retract. The fibres are on the prostate [11]. If this plane, which is crucial for
shaped like a ‘‘U’’ with the bottom of the ‘‘U’’ inserted initiating nerve sparing, is difficult to find, as when
in Denonvilliers fascia. Denonvilliers' fascia is stuck to the pre-rectal fascia,
❙ Divide the posterior sphincter fibres of the prostate free the apex over a few millimetres and then expose
apex with a rounded blade. This must remove the the plane.
superficial layers of Denonvilliers’ fascia to which the
sphincter fibres are attached [Fig. 4b].
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Barré-Instruments
Nerve sparing
The neurovascular bundles run along the vascular pedi- There are two nerve-sparing techniques:
cles coming from the terminal branch of the inferior ■ Antegrade dissection [Fig. 5b] starts at the lateral
vesical artery. As noted by Walsh, the nerves follow the surface of the prostate [14,16], proceeds along the
vessels which act as a guide to dissection [1]. However, posterolateral contour, and ends at the posterior
the vessels do not follow the posterolateral prostate edge. There is a degree of uncertainty associated
contour in a straight line but curve up its lateral surface. with this technique as dissection can start either
The bundles lie between the parietal and the visceral above the neurovascular bundle (risk of creating
fasciae (lateral extension of Denonvilliers' fascia) [1] intrafascial dissection) or below the bundle (risk of
[Fig. 5a]. Dissection should take place in this interfascial injury to the nerves).
space. A thin layer of connective tissue should be left on ■ Retrograde dissection [Fig. 5c] starts at the posterior
the prostate to prevent the risk of positive margins, surface of the prostate. The medial border of the
especially in cases of unsuspected focal extracapsular bundle is exposed after the plane between the rectum
extension (ECE) [12,13]. The visceral fascia should be and the prostate in the midline has been developed.
present on the excised specimen. ❙ Dissect along the posterolateral surface of the
Although it is easier to preserve the bundles intact by prostate following Denonvilliers' fascia, then the
intrafascial dissection, this is not recommended as there lateral prostate visceral fascia. This exposes and
is a high risk of positive margins from dissection in con- isolates all the prostatic pedicles coming from
tact with gland tissue [Fig. 5a]. the neurovascular bundles. The bundles are thus
progressively freed from the prostate up to their
extremity on the lateral surface.
❙ Apply very gentle traction on the urethral catheter
and gently roll the prostate over on its side to
obtain good exposure of the neurovascular bund-
les. Use tailor-made nerve-sparing dissector
(BJ02R) and scissors (BC715R) for dissection.
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
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Barré-Instruments
Dissection of the seminal vesicles and division of the bladder neck
❙ Divide the thick prostate base pedicles covering the ❙ Divide both lateral vesicoprostatic junctions using the
lateral surface of the seminal vesicle. tightened surgical loop as a guide (Fig. 7c). Each divi-
❙ Use forceps to grab the seminal vesicle. Develop the sion starts with the retrovesical fat and comes gradu-
plane between the seminal vesicle and the posterior ally into contact with the posterior surface of the
bladder neck with Metzenbaum scissors, whilst remai- bladder neck. Join up both divisions on the anterior
ning in contact with the seminal plane (Fig. 7a), pro- surface of the bladder neck.
ceeding as far as possible. ❙ Perform the anterior vesicoprostatic division,
❙ Interrupt the procedure on the right-hand side. leaving a thin layer of bladder tissue on the prostate
Perform nerve sparing and seminal vesicle dissection base to avoid the risk of positive surgical margins.
on the left-hand side in the same fashion. Proceed with the incision until the Foley catheter is
❙ Push back the prostate to expose the posterior surface exposed. Incise the posterior bladder neck wall,
of the seminal vesicles. Insert a dissector inside the pushing back a median lobe if necessary [Fig. 7d].
seminal vesicles/bladder neck plane, leaving a surgical ❙ In cases of high-grade lesions of the prostate base,
loop as a landmark [19] [Fig. 7b]. it is preferable to resect the bladder neck [20,21].
❙ Push the prostate towards the lower part of the
surgical field.
Fig. 7c Fig. 7d
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
Traction of the prostate by the Foley catheter exposes ❙ Check the quality of the excision macroscopically,
the seminal vesicles and the vas deferens covered with paying special attention to the apex. There must be a
the thin anterior sheet of Denonvilliers’ fascia [Fig. 7e]. very small ring of sphincter muscle fibres around the
❙ Transect and ligate each vas deferens as far distally as urethra and the Denonvilliers’ fascia must be identifi-
possible from the prostate. able posteriorly.
❙ Remove the seminal vesicles in their entirety. ❙ Check that there is a small layer of connective tissue
In most cases, the tip of the seminal vesicles is above at the posterolateral edge indicating absence of cap-
the plane of the neurovascular bundles and there is sular incision.
no risk of injury to the nerves. In some cases, it is
necessary to tighten the specimen to move the lower
extremity of the seminal vesicles away from risk of
injury. Dissect in contact with the seminal vesicles,
neither too deep nor too wide. This may be a bit
awkward but can be done in patients with long
vesicles with tips extending beneath the plane of
the neurovascular bundles.
❙ Further haemostasis may be necessary notably on
the bladder neck. However, haemostasis near the
neurovascular bundles can cause irreversible neuro-
logical injury and no coagulation should be performed
at this level.
Fig. 7e
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Barré-Instruments
Vesicourethral anastomosis
❙ Check bladder neck opening. Use a linear posterior ❙ Join the edges together without excessive tension
"tennis racket" closure for wide bladder neck to prevent tearing or ischemia of the sphincter.
openings. Insert the urethral catheter and inflate the balloon.
❙ Insert a CH 16 Foley catheter to locate the urethral Tie all five posterior stitches on the inside in a
lumen before and after each suture passage. tensionless knot (Fig. 8b).
❙ Tighten both the anterolateral landmark sutures. ❙ Join the edges together without excessive tension to
Place 2 further anterior stitches (3-0 absorbable prevent tearing or ischaemia of the sphincter.
suture) from the outside in and 5 posterior stitches Insert the urethral catheter and inflate the balloon.
from the inside out, within a plane anterior to the Tie all four anterior sutures.
rectal plane of the neurovascular bundles (22) [Fig. Check that the anastomosis is watertight by filling
8a]. Whenever the urethra adjoins the rectal plane, the bladder with 120 cc saline.
avoid including the posterolateral angle of the urethra ❙ Position a suction drain on the anterior surface of the
by placing 2 stitches on each side, away from the bladder, avoiding direct contact with the anastomosis.
angle. Perform a conventional closure.
❙ Pass vesical sutures and bring the bladder smoothly in
contact with the urethra by sliding it along the poste-
rior sutures. Perform urethrovesical stitching. Tie all 5
posterior stitches on the inside in a tensionless knot
[Fig. 8b].
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
References
[1] Walsh P. Anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy. [17] Sokoloff MH, Brendler CB. Indications and contraindications for
In: Walsh P, Retik A, Vaughan E, Wein A, eds. Campbell’s Urology. nerve sparing radical prostatectomy.
Philadelphia: Saunders; 1998. p. 2565-88. Atlas Urol Clin Nth Am 2001;28:535-43.
[2] Villers A. Extracapsular tumor extension in prostatic cancer: [18] Villers A, Stamey TA, Yemoto C, Rischmann P, McNeal JE.
pathways of spread and implications for radical prostatectomy. Modified extrafascial radical retropubic prostatectomy tech-
Monographs in Urology 1994;15:61-77. nique decreases frequency of positive surgical margins in T2
[3] Rosen MA, Goldstone L, Lapin S, Wheeler T, Scardino PT. cancers <2cm3.
Frequency and location of extracapsular extension and positive Eur Urol 2000;38:64-73.
surgical margins in radical prostatectomy specimens. [19] Barré C, Chauveau P, Pocholle P. Improving bladder neck division
J Urol 1992;148:331-7. in radical retropubic prostatectomy by prior dissection of the
[4] Ohori M, Wheeler TM, Kattan MW, Goto Y, Scardino PT. seminal vesicles and vasa deferentia.
Prognostic significance of positive surgical margins in radical Eur Urol 1999;36:107-10.
prostatectomy specimens. [20] Shelfo SW, Obek C, Soloway MS. Update on bladder neck pre-
J.Urol 1995;154:1818-24. servation during radical retropubic prostatectomy: impact on
[5] Blute ML, Bostwick DG, Seay TM, Martin SK, Slezak JM, pathologic outcome, anastomotic strictures, and continence.
Bergstralh EJ, Zincke H. Pathologic classification of prostate Urology 1998;51:73-8.
carcinoma. The impact of margin status. [21] Marcovich R, Wojno KJ, Wei JT, Rubin MA, Montie JE, Sanda
Cancer 1998;82:902-8. MG. Bladder neck-sparing modification of radical prostatectomy
[6] Walsh PC, Marschke P, Ricker D, Burnett AL. Patient reported adversely affects surgical margins in pathologic T3a prostate
urinary continence and sexual function after anatomic radical cancer.
prostatectomy. Urology 2000;55:904-8.
Urology 2000;55:58-61. [22] Barré C. Anastomose vésico-urétrale dans la prostatectomie
[7] Barré C, Chauveau P, Pocholle P. Minimal blood loss in patients radicale rétropubienne. In: Techniques Chirurgicales – Urologie,
undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. Encycl Méd Chir. 41-307-E.
World J Surg 2002;26:1094-8. Paris: Elsevier SAS; 2006. p. 1-7.
[8] Partin AW, Yoo J, Carter NB et al. The use of prostate specific [23] Dubbelman YD, Dohle GR, Schröder FH. Sexual function before
antigen, clinical stage and gleason score to predict pathological and after radical retropubic prostatectomy: a systematic review
stage in men with localized prostate cancer. of prognostic indicators for a successful outcome.
J Urol 1993;150:110-4. Eur Urol 2006;50:711-20.
[9] Barré C, Chauveau P. Prostatectomie radicale rétropubienne. [24] Montorsi F, Guazzoni G, Strambi LF, Da Pozzo LF, Nava L,
In: Techniques Chirurgicales – Urologie. Encycl Méd Chir. 41-295. Barbieri L, Rigatti P, Pizzini G, Miani A. Recovery of spontaneous
Paris:Elsevier SAS; 2002. p. 1-14. erectile function after nerve sparing radical retropubic prosta-
[10] Myers RP. Radical prostatectomy: pertinent surgical anatomy. tectomy with and without early intra cavernous injections of
Atlas Urol Clin Nth Am 1994;2:1-18. Alprostadil: results of a prospective randomized trial.
[11] Villers A, McNeal JE, Freiha FS, Boccon-Gibod L, Stamey TA. J Urol 1997;158:1408-10.
Invasion of Denonvilliers’ fascia in radical prostatectomy [25] Myers RP, Villers A. Anatomic considerations in radical prosta-
specimens. tectomy. In: Kirby R, Partin AW, Feneley M, Parsons JK editors.
J Urol 1993;149:793-8. Chapter 71. Prostate cancer: surgical principles and practice.
[12] Epstein JI, Pizov G, Walsh PC. Correlation of pathologic findings London: Martin Dunitz; 2006; p. 701-13.
with progression after radical retropubic prostatectomy.
Cancer 1993;71:3582-93.
[13] Quinlan DM, Epstein JI, Carter BS, Walsh PC. Sexual function Author Dr Christian Barré
following radical prostatectomy: influence of preservation of Service d'Urologie
neuro-vascular bundles. Clinique Jules Verne
J Urol 1991;145:998-1002.
2-4, route de Paris
[14] Goad JR, Scardino PT. Modifications in the technique of radical
retropubic prostatectomy to minimize blood loss. 44314 Nantes, France
Urol Clin Nth Am 1994:2:65-80.
[15] Graefen M, Walz J, Huland H. Open retropubic nerve-sparing
radical prostatectomy. Tel: +33 (0) 2 51 17 17 50
Eur Urol 2006;49:38-48.
Fax: +33 (0) 2 51 17 17 51
[16] Montorsi F, Salonia A, Suardi N, et al. Improving the preservation
of the urethral sphincter and neurovascular bundles during open
E-mail: [email protected]
radical retropubic prostatectomy.
Eur Urol 2005;48:938-45.
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Barré-Instruments
Radical prostatectomy is one of the standard treatments even more significant. Success in cancer control and
for localised prostate cancer. However, this surgery is function preservation requires a detailed knowledge
still one of the most difficult in the field of urology be- of surgical anatomy and a rigorous surgical technique.
cause it has to achieve two objectives: reducing positive To improve the dorsal venous plexus control and ureth-
margins rates and retaining postoperative continence ral division and to allow a precise interfacial dissection
and erectile function. The increasing incidence of pro- in nerve sparing, Dr. Barré has designed and created
state cancer at young adults makes these objectives specific instruments which considerably simplify the
surgical technique.
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
BT680R
❙ Prostate retractor
❙ 360 mm, 14 3/8”
BT680R
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Barré-Instruments
EF167R
EF167R
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
BB176R-BB178R
❙ No. 3 XL
❙ 250 mm, 10”
12 ° 25 °
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Barré-Instruments
BT681R
❙ Urethra retractor
❙ 390 mm, 15 1/2”
BT681R
BJ029R
1/
1
BJ029R
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
BC715R sharp/sharp
❙ Nerve-sparing scissors
❙ 280 mm, 11”
1/
1
BC715R
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Barré-Instruments
BV927R
BV927R
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
BV921R
consisting of:
BV840R
BV922R
BV929R
BV849R
BV925R
BV926R BV921R
BV924R
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Barré-Instruments
BT682R BT683R
1/ 1/
1 1
BT682R BT683R
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
Additional Instruments
BJ110R GK685R
1/ 1/
1 1
BJ110R GK685R
25
Index
BB176R 19 EF167R 18
BB177R 19
BB178R 19 GK682R 24
GK683R 24
BC715R 21 GK685R 25
BJ029R 20
BJ110R 25
BT680R 17
BT681R 20
BV840R 23
BV849R 23
BV921R 23
BV922R 23
BV924R 23
BV925R 23
BV926R 23
BV927R 22
BV929R 23
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Aesculap Surgical Instruments
Notice
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The main product mark ’Aesculap’ is a
registered mark of Aesculap AG.