Minimum incision endoscopic radical cystectomy in patients with malignant tumors of the urinary bladder: Clinical and oncological outcomes at a single institution

Aims: The objectives of this study were to investigate the clinical and oncological outcomes of patients with malignant tumors of the urinary bladder undergoing minimum incision endoscopic radical cystectomy (MIE-RC). Methods: Between August 2005 and June 2011, 130 consecutive patients at Hirosaki University Hospital underwent MIE-RC and bilateral lymphadenectomy for malignant tumors of the urinary bladder. We retrospectively studied all 130 patients. MIE-RC was performed through a 7-cm suprapubic midline incision. A 300 laparoscope was conveniently positioned on the head side of the patients, for precise observation and monitoring. Results: The median operative time for all procedures, including MIE-RC, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and urinary diversion was 266 min. The median estimated blood loss was 1260 mL. None of the patients had positive surgical margins. The post-operative median follow-up period was 32.8 months. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 91.6% and 87.0%, respectively. Conclusions: Our experience with MIE-RC appears to be favorable with acceptable operative and oncological outcomes. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.