title: Fast and safe closing of urethra during laparoscopic radical cystectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present a simple alternative technique to close the membranous urethra during laparoscopic radical cystectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A series of 18 laparoscopy-assisted cystectomies were performed in our institute from November 2002 to May 2005. In order to prevent neoplastic-cell spillage, in 14 of these patients, the membranous urethra was closed with Hem-o-lok clips after careful dissection of the urethra and withdrawal of the bladder catheter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all cases, one or two Hem-o-lok clips were easily, safely, and quickly positioned. The remaining length of the membranous urethra was sufficient for anastomosis with the neobladder if appropriate. In follow-up (mean 14 months), no local recurrence has been recorded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The closing of the membranous urethra with Hem-o-lok clips during laparoscopy-assisted cystectomy is in our experience a simple, fast, safe, and effective alternative that should be considered when laparoscopic radical cystectomy is performed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, TO, Italy. porpiglia@libero.it
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Porpiglia
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Renard
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Billia
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cossu
authors.forename: Ivano
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Morra
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Terrone
authors.forename: Roberto Mario
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Scarpa
mesh_terms: D015653:Cystectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009366:Neoplasm Seeding; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*