Hassan Abol‐Enein

OBJECTIVE: To develop a technique of nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical cystoprostatectomy (RRCP) for patients with bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Robotic assistance should enhance the ability to preserve the neurovascular bundles during laparoscopic radical cystectomy. Thus we undertook RRCP and urinary diversion using a three-step technique. First, using a six-port approach and the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), one surgeon carried out a complete pelvic lymphadenectomy and cystoprostatectomy using a technique developed specifically for robotic surgery. The neurovascular bundles were easily identified and dissected away, the specimen entrapped in a bag and removed through a 5-6 cm suprapubic incision. Second, a different surgical team exteriorized the bowel through this incision and created a neobladder extracorporeally. Third, the neobladder was internalized, the incision closed and the primary surgeon completed the urethro-neovesical anastomosis with robotic assistance. RESULTS: RRCP was carried out in 14 men and three women by the primary surgeon (M.M.). The form of urinary reconstruction was ileal conduit in three, a W-pouch with a serosal-lined tunnel in 10, a double-chimney or a T-pouch with a serosal-lined tunnel in two each. The mean operative duration for robotic radical cystectomy, ileal conduit and orthotopic neobladder were 140, 120 and 168 min, respectively. The mean blood loss was < 150 mL. The number of lymph nodes removed was 4-27, with one patient having N1 disease. The margins of resection were free of tumour in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a technique for nerve-sparing RRCP using the da Vinci system which allows precise and rapid removal of the bladder with minimal blood loss. The bowel segment can be exteriorized and the most complex form of orthotopic bladder can be created through the incision used to deliver the cystectomy specimen. Performing this part of the operation extracorporeally reduced the operative duration.

PURPOSE: Previous studies demonstrate a positive correlation between postoperative survival and the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomies in patients with bladder cancer. However, the distribution of nodal metastases has not been examined in sufficient detail. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive prospective analysis of lymph node metastases to obtain precise knowledge about the pattern of lymphatic tumor spread. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1999 and 2002 we performed 290 radical cystectomies and extended lymphadenectomies. Cranial border of the lymphadenectomy was the level of the inferior mesenteric artery, lateral border was the genitofemoral nerve and caudal border was the pelvic floor. We made every effort to excise and examine microscopically all lymph nodes from 12 well-defined anatomical locations. RESULTS: Mean total number and standard deviation of lymph nodes removed was 43.1 +/- 16.1. Nodal metastases were present in 27.9% of patients. The percentage of metastases at different sites ranged from 14.1% (right obturator nodes) to 2.9% (right paracaval nodes above the aortic bifurcation). By studying cases of unilateral primary tumors or with only 1 metastasis we observed a preferred pattern of metastatic spread. However, there were many exceptions to the rule and we did not identify a well-defined sentinel lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: We strongly recommend extended radical lymphadenectomy to all patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer to remove all metastatic tumor deposits completely. The operation can be conducted in routine clinical practice and our data may serve as a guideline for future standardization and quality control of the procedure.

CONTEXT: The urinary reconstructive options available after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer are discussed, as are the criteria for selection of the most appropriate diversion, and the outcomes and complications associated with different diversion options. OBJECTIVE: To critically review the peer-reviewed literature on the function and oncological outcomes, complications, and factors influencing choice of procedure with urinary diversion after RC for bladder carcinoma. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A Medline search was conducted to identify original articles, review articles, and editorials on urinary diversion in patients treated with RC. Searches were limited to the English language. Keywords included: 'bladder cancer', 'cystectomy', 'diversion', 'neobladder', and 'conduit'. The articles with the highest level of evidence were selected and reviewed, with the consensus of all of the authors of this paper. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Both continent and incontinent diversions are available for urinary reconstruction after RC. In appropriately selected patients, an orthotopic neobladder permits the elimination of an external stoma and preservation of body image without compromising cancer control. However, the patient must be fully educated and committed to the labour-intensive rehabilitation process. He must also be able to perform self-catheterisation if necessary. When involvement of the urinary outflow tract by tumour prevents the use of an orthotopic neobladder, a continent cutaneous reservoir may still offer the opportunity for continence albeit one that requires obligate self-catheterisation. For patients who are not candidates for continent diversion, the ileal loop remains an acceptable and reliable option. CONCLUSIONS: Both continent and incontinent diversions are available for urinary reconstruction after RC. Orthotopic neobladders optimally preserve body image, while continent cutaneous diversions represent a reasonable alternative. Ileal conduits represent the fastest, easiest, least complication-prone, and most commonly performed urinary diversion.

PURPOSE: We performed a critical analysis of the results of radical cystectomy for invasive bladder carcinoma treated at 1 center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1970 and 2000, 2,090 men and 630 women with invasive bladder cancer were treated with 1-stage radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. Followup ranged from 0 to 34.2 years with a mean of 5.5 +/- 5.7. Survival data were correlated to patient and tumor characteristics using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Postoperative mortality was 2.6%. Squamous tumors accounted for 49.4% of cases, transitional cell carcinoma for 36.4% and adenocarcinoma for 9.6%. Regional lymph nodes were involved in 20.4% of cases. The 5 and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 55.5% and 50.03%, respectively. Evidence was provided that tumor stage, histological grade and lymph node status are the only independent variables which affect survival probability. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary cystectomy can be performed with minimal mortality. Radical cystectomy for organ confined disease is followed by good therapeutic results and enhances the possibilities for functional restoration. With stage progression there is a stepwise reduction in survival probability. The radical operation can provide disease-free survival for an important subgroup of node positive cases (27.3%). Additional therapy is needed to improve the oncological outcome for advanced locoregional disease.