Contemporary cystectomy and urinary diversion

Radical cystectomy has emerged as the standard therapy for patients with invasive bladder cancer. Controversy is related to the indication, i.e. a low or high threshold. Meticulous pelvic lymphadenectomy can cure 20%-30% of patients with lymph node metastases, particularly those with limited node involvement. Unilateral nerve-sparing surgery is feasible in most patients without compromising oncological outcome and, besides erectile function, has an impact on the continence status after orthotopic bladder substitution. The excellent local control rates following radical cystectomy indicate that the weight of the problem in the future lies in reducing distant metastases. Orthotopic bladder substitution with a low-pressure ileal reservoir is currently the preferred method to reconstruct the lower urinary tract for both sexes following cystectomy. Long-term experience with follow-ups exceeding 10 years demonstrates a sustained favourable voiding outcome with slightly increasing incontinence rates as patients age.