Laparoscopically assisted transvaginal radical cystectomy

Herein we describe 5 cases of anterior pelvic exenteration in females through a combined transvaginal and laparoscopic approach for bladder cancer. In 4 cases hysterectomy and bilateral ovariectomy were performed. As far as urinary diversion is concerned, a bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy was performed in the 1st case, and in the remaining 4 an ileal conduit was accomplished through a minilaparotomy at the stoma site. The surgical specimen was withdrawn 'en bloc' transvaginally in all cases except 1, in whom vaginal atrophy forced us to perform a midline minilaparotomy. Total operative time ranged between 6 and 9 h, and 4 patients were discharged after 7-11 days with no complications. One patient was discharged only after 18 days due to obesity and diabetic problems. A larger series is needed to confirm the advantages of the combined transvaginal and videolaparoscopic approach for anterior pelvic exenteration as compared to the conventional procedure, with special regard given to the oncological outcome. Our initial experience is surely encouraging.