Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy in a Low-Middle Income Country: A 5-Year Review of a Single Institution; Operative Data, Oncologic Results and Morbidity

Introduction and Objective: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) is an alternative to open approach with lower morbidity and better oncologic outcome. We aim to share our experience on laparoscopic radical cystectomy and to evaluate our morbidity and oncological outcome in our settings. Methodology: An observational study in the Douala Medico-Surgical Urology Centre on 5 patients who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy with or without lymph node dissection and external urine diversion between April 2014 to July 2016 was conducted. The overall survival rate was subsequently estimated. Results: Four men and one woman underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy during the 5-year study period with a mean age of 54.5-year-old. Three patients were submitted to ileal conduits, one to neobladders, and one patient to uretero-cutaneostomies. The mean operative time was 300 ± 17 minutes and the mean length of hospital stay was 9 ± 3 days. Three patients had minor complications according to Clavien and Dindon Classification treated conservatively without need for further operation. Four patients had transitional cell carcinoma and one Squamous cell carcinoma types. Everyone had negative resection margin while only two had negative lymph node. The median survival years in our study was 2.5 years, the overall survival rates at 2 years were 60%, 40% at 3 years and 20 at 5years. 2 patients die after one year due to renal failure and intercurrent disease. Conclusion: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy carried lower morbidity and cancerological outcome compare to open surgery making it a good alternative for bladder oncologic surgery.