An Easy and Safe Approach to Separating Denonvilliers' Fascia From Rectum During Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

PURPOSE: We describe a simple technique for excising Denonvilliers' fascia during nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After incision of the perirectal fascia Denonvilliers' fascia is bluntly mobilized off of the rectum digitally and by using an aortic clamp. RESULTS: This technique was used successfully in 200 consecutive cases of nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy since 1994 with no rectal injuries. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure guarantees simple and complete excision of Denonvilliers' fascia, which covers the posterior surface of the prostate during nonnerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.