ABSTRACT
Bladder cancer is a potentially lethal disease; the patient’s prognosis is partially dictated by the quality of the cystectomy and extent of the lymphadenectomy (6-9). The introduction of the laparoscopic approach with its potential low morbidity profile is, in part, an effort to preserve high quality of care while minimizing the often debilitating effects of cystectomy and permitting more patients the opportunity to undergo this potentially lifesaving procedure. This approach should by no means compromise the oncologic quality of radical cystectomy. Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is still in its early stages, and its long-term advantages and disadvantages are poorly defined. Therefore, patient selection is paramount to a successful laparoscopic radical cystectomy program.
