Laparoscopic extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer: Technique and initial outcomes

Purpose: We describe the technique and our evolving outcomes of laparoscopic extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: Since 1999 laparoscopic radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy and intracorporeal urinary diversion has been performed in 22 patients. The initial 11 patients underwent limited dissection (group 1) and the subsequent 11 consecutive patients underwent extended lymphadenectomy (group 2). Our split-and-roll technique of laparoscopic extended pelvic lymphadenectomy has evolved to achieve lymphatic tissue clearance by bilaterally skeletonizing the genitofemoral nerve, external iliac artery, external iliac vein, obturator nerve, hypogastric artery, common iliac artery and pubic bone. Results: Extended lymphadenectomy added 1.5 hours of operative time. The median number of nodes retrieved was 3 and 21 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.001). Three patients per group were found to have positive nodal disease. In 1 patient undergoing extended dissection injury to a deep pelvic vein was managed by intracorporeal suturing and resulted in 200 ml blood loss. Two other patients had deep venous thrombosis. At a mean followup of 11 months (range 2 to 43) there were no port site recurrences. Conclusions: Laparoscopic extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer can be performed with anatomical boundaries and nodal yields commensurate with those of current recommendations for open surgery.