Laparoscopic radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to open radical cystectomy (ORC). This review focuses on patient selection criteria, technical aspects and postoperative outcomes of LRC.

METHODS: Material for the review was obtained by a PubMed search over the last 10 years, using the keywords 'laparoscopic radical cystectomy' and 'laparoscopic bladder cancer' in human subjects.

RESULTS: Twenty-two publications selected for relevance and content were used for this review from the total search yield. The level of evidence was IIb and III. LRC results in comparable short- and intermediate-range oncological outcomes to ORC, with generally longer operative times but decreased blood loss, postoperative pain and hospital stay. Overall operative and postoperative morbidity are equivalent.

CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, LRC is an acceptable minimally invasive alternative to ORC in selected patients, with the main advantage of decreased blood loss and postoperative pain, as well as a shorter hospital stay and recovery.