[LAPAROSCOPIC AND OPEN RADICAL CYSTECTOMY FOR BLADDER CANCER]

Abstract

Radical cystectomy is the standard method for treatment of muscle-invasive and locally advanced bladder cancer. Several less invasive approaches have been suggested recently, including totally laparoscopic radical cystectomy and robotic cystectomy. However despite significant improvements in surgical techniques the overall occurrence of perioperative complications is still high. Analysis of the literature data and comparison of these data with the results of our study was performed with respect to perioperative complications after radical cystectomy and oncological outcomes. In most of the studies, operating time during laparoscopic cystectomy was longer than that of open approach. Despite that, there was no influence of type of surgery on intraoperative complications. Major complication rates were similar between all groups. However laparoscopic cystectomy had lower rate of minor complications compared to open cystectomy. Laparoscopic cystectomy is safe and associated with lower blood loss, decreased postoperative ileus and lower length of stay compared with open radical cystectomy. Laparoscopic surgery for bladder cancer decreased minor complications (mainly due to lower bleeding and gastrointestinal complication rate) and had no impact on major complications. Moreover, if performed following the oncologic principles of open surgery, our results and literature data suggest that LRC is safe and determines non-inferior long-term cancer control compared with open surgery.