Optimizing the approach for lymph node dissection during laparoscopic radical cystectomy.
BACKGROUND
Lymph node dissection (LND) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer is one of the integral steps of radical cystectomy. In addition to staging, adequate LND has been found to alter both the prognosis for and the course of the disease after radical cystectomy.


OBJECTIVE
To point out several essential steps that provide optimal exposure for LND during laparoscopic radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.


METHODS
From August 2006 to September 2008, we performed 10 laparoscopic cystectomies with an extended LND using this approach at our institution. Patient and tumor characteristics, the anatomic extent of the LND, the number of lymph nodes examined, and the postoperative complications encountered were evaluated.


METHODS
Essential steps include (1) a modified five-trocar arrangement; (2) use of a 30 degrees telescope during LND; (3) prior complete mobilization of the sigmoid colon, allowing its retraction using an umbilical tape; (4) accomplishment of most of the bilateral LND from the right side; and (5) performance of LND after removal of the specimen.


METHODS
The primary end points were adequate intraoperative exposure of the template and number of lymph nodes retrieved. The secondary end point was evaluation of postoperative lymph node recurrence as an assessment of a complete LND.


CONCLUSIONS
Mean total operative time was 512.5 min (range: 420-660), with a mean operative time of 143 min (range: 115-165) for the extended LND. Adequate exposure was successful in all 10 patients. The average number of lymph nodes examined was 25.5 (range: 19-32), with 4 nodes positive for metastasis. No patients had pelvic or lymph node metastasis at a mean follow-up of 14.8 mo (range: 4-30). Limitations included an analysis of a small series of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This new approach provides optimal exposure for an adequate laparoscopic LND during radical cystectomy, without any compromise.
Ghazi
Ahmed
A
Urology Department, Krankenhaus der Elisabethinen, Linz, Austria. ahmed_ghazimd@yahoo.com
Zimmermann
Reinhold
R
Al-Bodour
Amjad
A
Shefler
Alexander
A
Janetschek
Gunter
G
D000368:Aged; D015653:Cystectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*