Laparoscopic assisted radical cystectomy with ileal neobladder: a comparison with the open approach

PURPOSE: To date, there have been only a few reports regarding the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach to radical cystectomy. In none of these cases has the laparoscopic approach been contrasted with a contemporary cohort of open cystectomy and diversion. Recently, we initiated laparoscopic assisted radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal neobladder (LACINB) wherein the cystoprostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissections are performed laparoscopically and the reconstructive portion is performed via a 15 cm Pfannenstiel incision. We present and compare our initial series of LACINB with radical cystectomy performed by the open approach (OCINB) during the same period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2001 and February 2003, 13 men underwent LACINB and 11 underwent OCINB at our institution. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in operative time, blood loss or complication rates between the LACINB and OCINB groups. However, postoperative analgesic use was significantly less in the LACINB group. Time to start of a liquid diet, solid diet and length of hospitalization were also significantly less in the LACINB group vs the OCINB group. All margins in both groups were negative for bladder cancer, although 1 patient in the LACINB group had an incidentally found prostate cancer with a positive apical margin. CONCLUSIONS: LACINB is a feasible and reproducible procedure, which results in decreased postoperative pain and quicker recovery without a significant increase in operative time. However, longer followup is needed to assess long-term oncological and functional outcomes.