Evaluation of laparoscopic radical cystectomy for loco-regionally advanced bladder cancer

We studied the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) in patients with loco-regionally advanced bladder cancer and report the short-term oncological outcome. This study comprised a total of 13 patients (10 males, 3 females), who presented with myriad of symptoms and on imaging they were found to have radiologically evident advanced disease (6 pelvic lymphadenopathies, 10 extravesical tumor extensions, three prostate/seminal vesical invasions). In view of recalcitrant symptoms (hematuria, frequency and irritative voiding) all patients underwent LRC and bilateral modified pelvic lymphadenectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion. Mean age of the patients was 56.3 years. Mean operative time was 310 min with an average blood loss of 556 ml. No major intra-operative complications were noted. One patient died in the post-operative period due to sepsis. Histopathology report revealed pT3b N0 in two patients; pT3b N1 in four; pT3b N2 in three; pT4a N0 in one, and pT4aN1 in three patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in nine patients. At mean follow up of 18 months (range 6-28), seven patients are alive and cancer-free, while two patients are alive with metastases. LRC provides an alternative approach for treatment of patients with loco-regionally advanced bladder cancer, who suffer from recurrent hematuria and severe irritative voiding symptoms, in whom open surgery was the standard approach hitherto. However, it should be considered experimental and should be attempted only by surgeons who have significant experience of laparoscopic pelvic surgery and advanced skills, and after discussing the potential risks and benefits with the patient.