Radical cystectomy: Minimizing operative blood loss with a "stapling technique"

We describe our experience with a surgical technique using the multiple fir e Endo-GIA-30-5.5 stapler to control the vascular pedicles during radical c ystectomy. This technique was performed in 16 radical cystectomies, includi ng three pelvic anterior exenterations for female invasive bladder carcinom a, and compared with 23 cases treated with the conventional method. It was associated with a significant decrease in the intraoperative and postoperat ive blood loss and a shorter operative time. UROLOGY 56: 488-491, 2000. (C) 2000, Elsevier Science Inc.