Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with urinary diversion: completely intracorporeal technique

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with urinary diversion performed using intracorporeal techniques exclusively is a new development in the growing field of minimally invasive urology. This report details step by step the completely intracorporeal laparoscopic technique of cystectomy, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, and urinary diversion with creation of an ileal conduit or neobladder, including the isolation of ileum, restoration of bowel continuity, retroperitoneal transfer of the left ureter to the right side, bilateral stented ureteroileal anastomoses, and urethroileal anastomosis in case of orthotopic diversion. Although at present, this is still a technique in development at high-volume medical centers, it holds promise as a minimally invasive yet appropriately radical form of treatment for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Definition of its true role awaits greater experience and long-term comparisons of the outcomes with those of traditional open surgery.