Proper 6-branch suburethral autologous sling tensioning during robotic assisted radical prostatectomy with the intraopeartive use of retrograde perfusion sphincterometry: the technique

The aim of this paper is to describe our surgical technique and results of proper 6-branch autologous sling tensioning during RALP employing intraoperatively the Retrograde Perfusion Sphincterometry (RPS). Between May 2016 and February 2020, 374 patients underwent RALP with the 6-branch suburethral autologous sling tensioned under intraoperative guidance of RPS. Surgical procedure: Retrograde Leak Point pressure (RLPP) was evaluated by means of RPS after pneumoperitoneum induction (RLPPp), after urethrovescical anastomosis (RLPPa) and during proper sling tensioning (RLPPs). The goal of the sling tensioning was to obtain at the end of the procedure similar pressures as after pneumoperitoneum induction (RLPPs ≅ RLPPp). Intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and continence recovery outcomes were assessed. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Sling positioning and tensioning was feasible in all patients. Mean operative time was 215 min. Proper sling tensioning allowed for the possibility to restore sphincteric efficacy to preoperative value (RLPPs vs. RLPPp (42.5 vs. 42.6) cmH2O). Urinary continence was achieved, respectively, in 58%, 67%, 74%, 88% and 92% of patients after 24 h, 10 days, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after catheter removal. In conclusion, RPS revealed a valid option for proper autologous 6-branch sling tensioning during RALP, offering the possibility to restore sphincteric apparatus efficiency to its preoperative status to improve EUC.