Radical Prostatectomy by Laparotomy: Retrospective Study Comparing Separate and Continuous Stitches in the Performance of Vesicourethral Anastomosis at a Single Center in the Public Health Network

Background: Prostate cancer ranks as the second most prevalent malignancy in men, with treatment strategies ranging from observation to various interventions. Radical prostatectomy is a common approach, aiming for a cure, and the technique for vesico-urethral anastomosis varies, employing separate or continuous stitches. However, a consensus on the optimal technique is lacking. This study aims to compare vesico-urethral anastomosis techniques (separate vs. continuous stitches) in laparotomy-based radical prostatectomies, evaluating peri and postoperative outcomes. Materials and Method: A retrospective analysis of 140 patients’ medical records yielded 86 eligible cases, divided into two groups based on anastomosis technique. Both groups underwent surgery at the same urology center between 2016 and 2019, with a follow-up period exceeding 12 months. Pre-operative characteristics were statistically similar between groups. Results: Perioperative complication rates did not significantly differ between the two techniques (p > 0.99). However, the continuous stitch group experienced a 20-minute longer procedure time (p < 0.01). Postoperative outcomes favored separate stitches, evidenced by shorter hospital stays, lower sentinel drain usage, and reduced stenosis rates (p < 0.01). Although urinary incontinence rates at 02, 06, and 12 months showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05), patients with continuous stitches had 2.5 times higher diaper usage at twelve months (p < 0.01). Conclusion: This research suggests that vesico-urethral anastomosis with separate stitches yields superior results in laparotomy-based radical prostatectomies compared to continuous stitches, demonstrating benefits in surgical time, hospital stay, sentinel drain duration, stenosis rates, and long-term urinary incontinence outcomes.