OBJECTIVE: To present the modifications in radical retropubic prostatectomy that would minimize intraoperative blood loss.

METHODOLOGY: Forty-seven patients, 49 to 80 years old underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for Stage I to II (T1-2NOMO) prostate gland adenocarcinoma from June 1997 to September 2005. Modifications to control the deep dorsal venous complex without occlusion of hypogastric artery was adopted.

RESULTS: The volume of the prostate gland removed ranged from 9.23 to 74 (mean: 36.17 grams). The estimated blood loss ranged from 250 ml to 2,500 ml (mean: 860.64 ml). The operative time was 3 to 5 hours (mean: 3 2/3 hours). Three units of blood were transfused to 3 patients, 2 units to 4 patients, 1 unit to 5 patients and 36 patients had no blood transfusion (mean: 234 ml). Hospital stay ranged from 4 to 10 days (mean: 5.2 days).

CONCLUSION: There was acceptable blood loss comparable with foreign literature with the technical modification adopted in this study.