PURPOSE: We report the first series of patients who have undergone hand-assisted laparoscopic cystoprostatectomy and diversion (HALCD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer elected to have their surgery by hand-assisted laparoscopy. The bladder was excised using a hand-assisted laparoscopic technique, and the ileal conduit was constructed through the midline incision created for the hand. RESULTS: The operative time was relatively short (mean 7.6 hours), blood loss was low (420 mL), and the postoperative stay was short (4.6 days). Long-term follow-up is pending. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic techniques for radical cystectomy are currently being explored at several major medical centers. Hand-assisted laparoscopy offers the distinct advantages of palpation, retraction, speed, and minimal morbidity.
PURPOSE: We report the first series of patients who have undergone hand-assisted laparoscopic cystoprostatectomy and diversion (HALCD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer elected to have their surgery by hand-assisted laparoscopy. The bladder was excised using a hand-assisted laparoscopic technique, and the ileal conduit was constructed through the midline incision created for the hand. RESULTS: The operative time was relatively short (mean 7.6 hours), blood loss was low (420 mL), and the postoperative stay was short (4.6 days). Long-term follow-up is pending. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic techniques for radical cystectomy are currently being explored at several major medical centers. Hand-assisted laparoscopy offers the distinct advantages of palpation, retraction, speed, and minimal morbidity.