OBJECTIVETo evaluate the technique and clinical outcomes of modified transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

METHODSA total of 105 patients received the operation with age ranging from 51 to 73 years from January 2008 to June 2010. Mean level of serum prostate specific antigen was 13.6 µg/L and mean prostatic volume was 45 ml. Pathological studies of biopsy confirmed the prostate carcinoma with Gleason score 6-8. Radionuclide bone scan revealed no metastasis. Based on previously retroperitoneal radical prostatectomy, modified technique was applied involving surgical approach, bladder neck dissection and vesicourethral anastomosis.

RESULTSMean operative time was 93 min (65 - 150 min). Intraoperative blood loss was 115 ml (50 - 400 ml). No complication of bowl injury occurred. Positive surgical margin was present in 24 patients. Normal continence were seen in 64 patients after catheter removed. Recovery of incontinence within 3 months was seen in 33 patients and 3 to 12 months in 5 patients respectively. Three patients with incontinence were still in the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSTransperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy provides large working space and clear anatomic exposure. Higher efficiency and lower complication rate are obtained through modified laparoscopic technique involving seminal vesicle isolation, bladder neck dissection and vesicourethral anastomosis.