Method: A group of patients with at least 1 year followup had a bladder neck
sparing (BNS) procedure performed (n=80). This group was compared to a
retrospective cohort (n=80), where the bladder neck was intentionally left wider open, in regards to pad free status at 3 months and one year post robotic prostatectomy.

Result: In the group that underwent a successful BNS procedure, continence
rates were 54% and 89% at 3 months and 1 year respectively. In the non BNS group, rates were 48% and 90% respectively. The BNS could be reliably
performed with experience leaving a small bladder neck that was seemed technically easier to sew to the urethra. One positive bladder neck margin was encountered early in the learning curve of the BNS procedure.

Conclusion: Bladder neck sparing in this series does not improve continence either early or late after robotic prostatectomy. BNS can be easily performed with experience, however likely only benefits the surgeon by easing the urethrovesical anastomosis.

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