Laparoscopic radical cystectomy and continent orthotopic ileal neobladder performed completely intracorporeally: the initial experience

PURPOSE: We introduce the operative technique of laparoscopic radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder with a Studer limb performed completely intracorporeally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The procedure was performed in 1 man and 1 woman. Using a 6 port transperitoneal approach, radical cystectomy in the female patient and radical cystoprostatectomy in the male patient were completed laparoscopically with the urethral sphincter preserved. Bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy was done. A 65 cm. segment of ileum 15 cm. from the ileocecal junction was isolated, and ileo-ileal continuity was restored using Endo-GIA staplers (U.S. Surgical, Norwalk, Connecticut). The distal 45 cm. of the isolated ileal segment were detubularized, maintaining the proximal 10 cm. segment intact as an isoperistaltic Studer limb. A globular shaped ileal neobladder was constructed and anastomosed to the urethra. Bilateral stented ureteroileal anastomoses were individually performed to the Studer limb. All suturing was done exclusively using free-hand laparoscopic techniques and the entire procedure was completed intracorporeally. An additional case is described of Indiana pouch continent diversion in which the pouch was constructed extracorporeally. RESULTS: Total operative time for laparoscopic radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder was 8.5 and 10.5 hours, respectively, with a blood loss ranging from 200 to 400 cc. Hospital stay was 5 to 12 days and surgical margins of the bladder specimen were negative in each case. Both patients with orthotopic neobladder had complete daytime continence. Postoperative renal function was normal and excretory urography revealed unobstructed upper tracts. During followup ranging from 5 to 19 months 1 patient died of metastatic disease, while the other 2 are doing well without local or systematic progression. CONCLUSIONS: Laproscopic radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder performed completely intracorporeally are feasible.