Laparoscopic radical cystectomy: A report of our initial four cases

Although previously, laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) has been performed as advanced medicine only within limited institutions, it can now be performed using national health insurance according to the medical treatment fee revision of 2012. We began preparing for LRC from 2011 in our institution and we performed LRC for the first timein July 2012. To date, we have performed LRC in four cases. First case : we performed LRC and left retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy for left renal pelvic cancer. Operative time was 450 minutes (LRC, 190 minutes) and estimated blood loss was 700 ml. Second case : we performed LRC for bladder cancer (BCG failure). Operative time was 390 minutes and estimated blood loss was 1000 ml. Third case : we performed LRC and lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer (cT2N0M0). Operative time was 510 minutes and estimated blood loss was 500 ml. Fourth case: we performed LRC and lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer (cT2N0M0). Operative time was 550 minutes and estimated blood loss was 335 ml. As regards problems at the time of introduction of LRC, indication, lymphadenectomy, and urinary tract diversion, etc. are discussed.