Urethrovesical Anastomosis Using Barbed Suture During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract Introduction and Objectives: Barbed polyglyconate suture (V-Loc®; Covidien, Mansfield, Massachusetts) was first used for the urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) beginning January 2010. Safety and feasibility were previously demonstrated in 51 patients.1 In this video, we demonstrate the technique of urethrovesical anastomosis with barbed suture and the results of a randomized, controlled trial assessing perioperative and functional outcomes after urethrovesical anastomosis with barbed polyglyconate versus monofilament poliglecaprone in RARP. Methods: After institutional review board approval, 64 patients meeting all inclusion criteria participated in this multi-surgeon prospective, randomized, controlled trial between May and September 2010. Posterior repair and urethrovesical anastomosis during RARP were performed with barbed polyglyconate (n = 33) or monofilament poliglecaprone (n = 31) suture. Primary outcomes were anastomotic (UVA) and posterior...