LAPAROSCOPIC URETERECTOMY - INITIAL CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE

With a combination of cystoscopic and laparoscopic techniques, 3 patie nts underwent total ureterectomy for urothelial cancer without complic ation. Of the patients 2 underwent concomitant laparoscopic nephrectom y. Mean operating time was 8.2 hours for the laparoscopic surgery and mean hospital stay was 6 days. In 2 patients the ureter was removed in tact, while in 1 it was morcellated along with the kidney before remov al. In each case the bladder was closed with a 12 mm. GIA laparoscopic stapling device. After 3 to 9 months of followup no patient had recur rent disease or bladder stones on the staple line.