The Use of a Bulldog Clamp to Control the Dorsal Vein Complex During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract

Optimal control of the dorsal venous complex (DVC) is a critical step in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). If DVC is not controlled properly, bleeding may occur during the apical dissection. On the other hand, if it is controlled well, a bloodless field is attained and, thus, a precise apical dissection and urethral division is possible. Suture ligation is the most common technique used for dorsal vein control, while some authors recommend using an endovascular stapler. Recently, athermal division and selective suture ligation technique has been reported for DVC control. We describe a new technique: Use of a bulldog clamp to control the DVC during RARP. The control of the DVC with a bulldog clamp allows a bloodless field with precise apical dissection and provides preservation of maximum urethral length while avoiding sphincteral injury.