Assessment of the Anastomosis After Radical Prostatectomy: A Review of Available Diagnostic Methods

Introduction: After radical prostatectomy, many institutions perform cystography to exclude vesicourethral anastomotic leakage before removing a urethral catheter. We reviewed diagnostic methods to exclude leakage compared to the reference standard cystography.

Methods: We performed systematic literature review to summarize the published options and outcomes for assessment of vesicourethral anastomotic leakage after radical prostatectomy.

Results: Of 2,137 publications, 45 full-text manuscripts underwent full-text screening, of which 9 studies contributing 919 patients were included. Seven studies described ultrasound-guided assessment (four transrectal, two transabdominal, one transperineal). Two further studies described the use of computerized tomography. Ultrasound-guided assessment of the anastomosis after radical prostatectomy shows promising agreement with cystography. Computerized tomography-aided assessment of vesicourethral anastomosis detects more leakages; however, clinical consequences are not defined.

Conclusion: Further studies are warranted to (1) identify men at risk of anastomotic leakage who should undergo assessment before trial without a catheter and (2) provide prospective comparisons of different ultrasound-guided approaches.