In a multivariate analysis accounting for baseline patient and disease characteristics, the primary outcome variables evaluated included estimated blood loss (EBL), operative duration and positive margin rates.
RESULTSThe baseline demographics were similar between the sutured and stapled groups for age (59.6 vs 60.1 years, P = 0.674), body mass index (29.2 vs 28.5 kg/m 2 , P = 0.237), preoperative prostate-specific antigen level (5.3 vs 5.7 ng/mL, P = 0.5), Gleason score (6.4 vs 6.3, P = 0.294), clinical stage (77% vs 88% T1c, P = 0.052) and preoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men score (19.4 vs 19.6, P = 0.813). Operative measures were not significantly different between the groups for EBL (287 vs 343 mL, P = 0.156) or operative duration (234 vs 223 min, P = 0.324). Apical margin involvement was also not significantly different (12% vs 7%, P = 0.121). The overall positive margin rate (30% vs 18%, P = 0.020) and disease volume (22% vs 13% 'extensive', P = 0.021) were higher among the sutured group, but on multivariate analysis the overall margin rate was not significantly different.
CONCLUSIONSThere was no difference between sutured and stapled control of the dorsal vein complex during laparoscopic prostatectomy in EBL, operative duration or positive margin rate.
KEYWORDS
laparoscopy, prostatectomy, dorsal vein controlStudy Type -Therapy (case control series) Level of Evidence 3b