The Journal of urology
-
The Journal of urology · Mar 1992
The management of rectal injury during radical retropubic prostatectomy.
From May 1982 through March 1991, 10 rectal injuries were identified in 1,000 men who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized adenocarcinoma. All rectal injuries occurred in nonirradiated patients. Of these patients 9 were identified during surgery and 1 was diagnosed on postoperative day 2. ⋯ Postoperatively, no patient had a wound infection, pelvic abscess or urethrorectal fistula. Overall hospital stay was increased by an average of 2 days. Rectal injuries recognized during surgery in previously nonirradiated patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy can be managed successfully with primary closure alone, avoiding the morbidity of a diverting colostomy.