[Laparoscopic radical cystectomy: innovations and classics]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Radical cystectomy is the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
• Laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) aims to combine minimally invasive benefits with open surgery techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 35 patients with invasive bladder cancer who underwent LRC between April 2013 and March 2016.
• Inclusion criteria focused on patients with fully intra-corporal ileum conduits.

Main Results:

• Average operating time was 378 minutes with a mean blood loss of 285 ml.
• Mean postoperative hospital stay was 12.4 days, with only 20% requiring opioid analgesia.
• Postoperative complications occurred in 11.4% of patients and were mostly managed minimally invasively.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) is a safe and effective treatment for invasive bladder cancer.
• Larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up are necessary to consider LRC a standard of care.