Introduction

1. No. 097 Outcomes of using barbed polyglyconate suture (V-Loc 180) vesico-urethral anastomosis during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy Devang Desai1, Kevin Lah1, Charles Chabert2, Troy Gianduzzo1,2 1 Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 2 Wesley hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Posters Proudly Supported by: Introduction A key challenge during Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) is to perform a water-tight anastomosis in a time efficient manner, particularly in obese patients and those with large prostates and deep narrow pelvises. The barbed polyglyconate suture (V-Loc 180; Covidien) was developed to minimise suture slippage and maintain suture tension in order to enhance the ease of suturing. Results Demographics and statistical analyses None of the leaks were clinically significant. Aim To investigate whether barbed polyglyconate Suture (V-Loc 180; Covidien) for vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA) during RARP is superior to standard 3.0 monocryl suture. Methods Prospective trial at Wesley private hospital, Brisbane between June 2010 - August 2012. Database reflects the practice of two Urologists. Consecutive patients assigned to two groups – VUA using V-loc 180 & other with 3.0 monocryl. Following bladder neck reconstruction and completion of posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction (Rocco) where appropriate, VUA was performed using either 2 x 15cm, 3/0 V-Loc or 3.0 monocryl continuous suture. Anastomotic integrity was tested intra-operatively with leak test. All patients had a postoperative cystogram day 7 to 10. Inclusion criteria – localised prostate cancer suitable for RARP. Exclusion criteria – Incomplete follow up. Statistical analysis was carried out using mean values and SD for age, BMI and PSA using student t test, Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon test was used for operative time and blood loss and Fisher Exact test for anastomotic leak comparison (95 % CI, p value <0.05). Conclusions In this series, the barbed self-retaining V-Loc suture was found to be effective for the performance of VUA during RARP. The V-Loc suture is easy to use, provided excellent intraoperative tissue apposition and good maintenance of uniform suture tension while significantly reducing operative time (p value < 0.001).