Preservation of Lateral and Anterior Periprostatic Structures in Radical Prostatectomy: The Sleeve-Technique

Optimizing functional outcome without compromising oncological results is one key factor in prostate cancer surgery. Over many years the focus of considerations about the surgical technique was in the preservation of the lateral and posterolateral periprostatic structures. The role of the periprostatic anterior and anterolateral tissue (mainly fiber, fibermuscular and vascular tissue) is obviously underestimated. This chapter is addressing anatomical considerations about these structures and describes the “Sleeve Technique” with preservation of the complete periprostatic tissue. The “Sleeve Technique” helps optimizing the results for continence and erectile function.