Comparison of cystographic morphology
of three different techniques for RARP

Recently we presented CORPUS, a novel technique with a COmplete Reconstruction of the Posterior Urethral Support after Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RALP), that allows very early continence in 50% of patients at high risk of urinary incontinence (non-nerve sparing surgery) (1) in comparison with 16% of patients underwent Rocco’s reconstruction (2).
This technique determines a suspension of the membranous urethra into a more proximal position, without any obstructive mechanism. The result is a location of the external sphincter in the original anatomical position.
In our experience, the cystographic morphology of bladder/urethra (at the control performed in 6th postoperative day) after OPEN RP, RALP with or without CORPUS, is different.
In this comparison image we demonstrate different radiologic characteristics of the three techniques, that are corresponding to different percentage of very early continence (30%, 15% and 50%, respectively).

Legenda
Cystographic images showing the typical appearance of each kind of surgical technique. (a) after the OPEN radical prostatectomy. (b) after RALP with Rocco’s standard posterior reconstruction. (c) after RALP with CORPUS.

References
1. Dal Moro F, Crestani A, Valotto C, Zattoni F. CORPUS-novel COmplete Reconstruction of the Posterior Urethral Support after robotic radical prostatectomy: preliminary data of very early continence recovery. Urology. 2014;83: 641-7.
2. F. Rocco, F. Gadda, P. Acquati, et al. Personal research: reconstruction of the urethral striated sphincter. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2001;73:127-37.