[Laparoscopy in the treatment of urologic cancers]

Abstract

Laparoscopy in the treatment of urologic cancers. Over the past 20 years, laparoscopy has established its place in the treatment of urologic cancers. Beginning with pelvic (ilio-obturator) lymph node dissection and nephrectomy soon thereafter, the application of laparoscopy quickly expanded to include adrenalectomy, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer, and later, radical prostatectomy and cystectomy. Currently, the oncologic results of laparoscopy are comparable to those of open surgery. The functional results, with laparoscopic nephrectomy in particular, have continued to improve over the past 20 years. At this time, there is no oncologic contra indication for laparoscopy in the field of urology.