Evaluation of the Single-Knot Running Vesicourethral Anastomosis 10 Years After Its Introduction: Results from an International Survey

Abstract

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the acceptance of the single-knot running vesicourethral anastomosis in a worldwide survey, 10 years after its introduction.

Materials and Methods:

A survey composed of 13 multiple-choice questions was launched on the Internet. Urologists involved in minimally invasive surgery were invited to participate. Questions explored professional characteristics of the respondents, experience with the single-knot running vesicourethral anastomosis, complications (including technical, early, and late complications), and a general opinion on the technique.

Results:

The 391 urologists who participated in the survey worked in academic, private, and community settings. Live surgeries appear to have been the most important tool to teach the technique. The global experience gained with this technique is vast: in the last 10 years we calculated over 120,000 anastomoses were performed by our cohort of respondents. Overall, technical, early (mainly uncomplicated early leakage), and late complications (mainly anastomotic stricture) were observed in <2% of cases by the majority of surgeons in the survey. Most urologists in the survey seem to accept the technique as a commonly used procedure in urologic surgery.

Conclusions:

Today, in 2014, the single-knot running anastomosis technique appears to have been well accepted by the urologic community. However, research should continue always in order to explore and invent better surgical solutions for our patients.