Urethral catheterless radical prostatectomy

Abstract

A method and device for facilitating the anastomotic healing of a patient after a radical prostatectomy surgical procedure, without a urethral catheter, comprising the steps of performing a radical prostatectomy, fixedly positioning a splinting element between the urethra and the bladder, across the urethral opening, placing the splinting element during the performing of the radical prostatectomy and prior to surgical closure. The fixed positioning is effected from a position within the bladder with anchoring the splinting element in position relative to the interior of the bladder, setting a separate urine drainage tube, and removing the splinting element, after anastomotic healing, with a retrieval element on the splinting element or with dissolving of the splinting element.

1 . A splinting element for facilitating anastomotic healing of a patient after a radical prostatectomy, comprising: an elongated cylinder having a diameter ranging from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, wherein, after the radical prostatectomy, the splinting element is positioned across a urethral opening between the urethra and bladder of the patient, and wherein the splinting element prevents urine drainage therethrough. 
     
     
         2 . The splinting element of  claim 1 , wherein the splinting element has a length ranging from about 30 to about 35 mm. 
     
     
         3 . The splinting element of  claim 1 , further comprising a retrieval line having a sufficient length to pass through and out of the urethra when positioned across the urethral opening. 
     
     
         4 . The splinting element of  claim 1 , further comprising a wing element providing the splinting element a diameter greater than the diameter of the urethral opening. 
     
     
         5 . The splinting element of  claim 1 , comprising an inert material. 
     
     
         6 . The splinting element of  claim 5 , wherein the inert material comprises a bio-absorbable material. 
     
     
         7 . The splinting element of  claim 1 , wherein the splinting element is sutured to the inner wall of the bladder. 
     
     
         8 . The splinting element of  claim 1 , used with a separate urine drainage tube.