Continence-preserving anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy: the "No-Touch" technique.

The technique of continence-preserving anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy focuses on the preservation of the anatomic components of the external striated urethral sphincteric (EUS) complex. Three steps comprise this procedure for improving urinary control: 1) preservation of the anterolateral fascial attachments of the EUS, 2) protection of the innervation and the posterior fascial attachments of the EUS, and 3) avoidance of urethrovesical anastomotic sutures at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions. Preserving the external striated urethral sphincter and its innervation by performing a continence-preserving anatomic retropubic prostatectomy fascilitates a shorter time period for achieving urinary continence.