Role of laparoscopy for reconstructive urology.
OBJECTIVE
Laparoscopic reconstructive urology is a challenging and technically demanding field of urology. As urologists' experience strengthened and technical modifications developed, urologic laparoscopy was applied in the treatment of malignancies and evolved from simple to technically demanding reconstructive techniques. This article reviews the latest published literature in the field of laparoscopic reconstructive urology and introduces our own persuasion for the role of this approach in urology.


RESULTS
Some laparoscopic procedures like orchidopexy, ureterolithotomy, pyelolithotomy and pyeloplasty require "a middle class level of laparoscopic skills" whereas other reconstructive techniques such as radical prostatectomy and cystectomy and partial nephrectomy are technically demanding and are still being developed with promising results. The reconstructive part of partial nephrectomy is small and refers to good hemostasis whereas in radical prostatectomy and cystectomy, the reconstructive part--urethrovesical anastomosis and urinary diversion, respectively--is an important factor, affecting the patient's postoperative quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of new instrumentation as well as the amelioration of urologists' laparoscopic skills will pave the way for the establishment of laparoscopic reconstructive urology in everyday practice. So far, laparoscopic reconstructive urology seems to be a well tolerated and effective treatment modality but still with not a completely clear role.
Stolzenburg
Jens-Uwe
JU
Department of Urology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. stolj@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Katsakiori
Paraskevi F
PF
Liatsikos
Evangelos N
EN
D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000601:surgery*; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*