Anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at radical prostatectomy preserves functional urethral length — a comparative urodynamic study

Objectives To characterize the continence mechanism of anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at the time of radical prostatectomy using urodynamic evaluation. Patients and methods Prospective pre‐ and postoperative urodynamic profiles were performed in patients receiving conventional posterior ‘racket handle’ closures (control group — eight patients) and those receiving anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at radical prostatectomy (study group — nine patients). Bladder neck tube reconstruction was performed by constructing 2 cm anterior bladder neck tubes over 22 F catheters. Results A significantly longer post‐operative functional urethral length was demonstrated using urodynamic assessment in patients receiving an anterior bladder neck tube closure (4.6 vs 3.4 cm; P <0.01). Conclusion The anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction may promote urinary continence in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy by preservation of functional urethral length.