Robotic Radical Prostatectomy - STEP 8- Urethral Division

The following video will highlight the technique of robotic urethral division and dorsal vein transection. This is video 8 of 10 in a series focused on robotic radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.

The final step to completely liberate the prostate from the surrounding pelvic structures is dividing the junction between the apex of the prosate and the uretra. Care must be made not to cut into the prostate and leave prostate tissue behind or cut into the sphincter muscle which would result in poorer urinary control outcomes. Furthermore, with the tails of the neurovascular bundles running within millimeters of the urethra, meticulous care must be made in avoiding any thermal energy. This step also invloves dividing the dorsal venous complex which was previously suture ligated in step 4. THere is always the potential to cut the suture which may result in unnecessary post-operative bleeding.

Video by Dr. Kevin Zorn.