ABSTRACT
Patients with localized histologically proven prostate cancer are candidates for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Incision of the endopelvic fascia is dependent on the nerve-sparing procedure chosen. If a wide resection of the neurovascular bundle is planned, then the incision should be performed lateral to the endopelvic fascia. The muscular structures of the bladder neck can be clarified with stump dissection. After opening the anterior wall of the bladder neck, the bladder catheter can be identified and put under traction from the lateral 5 mm port by the assistant, the bladder can be retracted with a retractor or forceps from the medial 10 mm port by the assistant. Seminal vesicles are put under tension by the surgeon or assistant to reach prostatic pedicles. After completion of the anastomosis the water-tightness must be checked by administering 200 ml of saline into the bladder via a Foley catheter.
