Long-term evaluation of oncologic and functional outcomes after laparoscopic open-assisted radical cystectomy: a matched-pair analysis

To evaluate peri- and postoperative morbidity, and long-term oncologic and functional results of our laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) technique, comparing it with our standard open approach. Between 2000 and 2010, 54 patients underwent LRC for urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder in two academic hospitals. The procedures were performed by two surgeons. Patients were matched 1:1 with patients who underwent open RC in the same years by the same surgical team. Differences in peri- and postoperative complications across the two groups were assessed using Wilcoxon's rank-sum or chi (2) test. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and Cox regression models were constructed to assess differences in recurrence-free survival on long-term follow-up between the two groups. Laparoscopic radical cystectomy was significantly associated with lower blood loss (p < 0.0001) and less frequent postoperative ileus (p = 0.03). Regarding more serious postoperative complications, no difference was found across the two cohorts. Median oncologic follow-up was 42 months (IQR 12-72 months) in the LRC cohort and 18 months (IQR 8-27 months) in patients undergoing open radical cystectomy (ORC). No statistically significant difference in recurrence-free survival was observed between the two groups (log rank p = 0.677). On univariate Cox regression, the surgical approach used was not significantly associated with risk of recurrence. We found that LRC is safe and associated with lower blood loss and decreased postoperative ileus compared with ORC. Moreover, on long-term oncologic follow-up, LRC appeared non-inferior to ORC with no significant difference in recurrence-free survival. Nonetheless, these results must be confirmed by larger series and stronger long-term follow-up data are needed.