title: Laparoscopic cystectomy: indications and limitations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the technique and preliminary results of the laparoscopic cystectomy as well as to review current indications and limitations of a nouvel surgical approach for a classical operation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A careful description of the key points of the technique of laparoscopic cystectomy and creation of an ileal conduit is provided. Operative and immediate complications of this operation in a preliminary series of 11 patients are described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Laparoscopic cystectomy is proven feasible with a mean operative time of 7.3 hours and minimal blood loss (median 330 cc.). Transfusion was required in two patients and the rate of major complications is in this series for 18%. Minor complications account for 27% of the series. Mean hospital stay was 7 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic cystectomy can be performed safely although a high level os skill is needed. The precise role of the technique has yet to be described and for the moment being, and till oncological results will be confirmed remains under evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, A100, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Eduardo F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Carvalhal
authors.forename: Inderbir S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D015653:Cystectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D014547:Urinary Diversion / Q000379:methods*