To compare perioperative outcomes and complications between intracorporeal and extracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder after laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) from one center.

We retrospectively analysis patients’ clinical and follow-up data who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) in our hospital from January 2011 to May 2017, of whom 25 cases underwent intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder (ICIN) and 20 cases underwent extracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder (ECIN). The patients' characteristics, perioperative data, postoperative pathological results, postoperative complications and oncologic outcomes were compared and analyzed. The mean age of ECIN group was (59.9±10.5)years, mean BMI was (24.7±3.3)kg/m^2, the ASA level was less than Ⅱ in 19 cases and level Ⅲ in 1 case, the mean preoperative CCI was 4.5±1.6, 3 patients got preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The mean age of ICIN group was (59.0±9.8)years, mean BMI was (25.3±4.3)kg/m², the ASA level was less than Ⅱ in 25 cases and no level Ⅲ, mean preoperative CCI was 4.0±1.3, 3 patients got preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in patients' characteristics. All operations were performed under general anesthesia.After LRC was accomplished, an additional 12 mm trocar was placed 1 cm crania to the pubic symphysis for EndoGIA in ICIN group. An ileal segment 60 cm long was isolated 25 cm proximal to the ileocecum. The continuity of the small bowel was restored with side to side anastomosis. The proximal 10 cm was moved to the distal end of the ileal segment for the right isoperistaltic afferent limb, and the remaining proximal 10 cm ileal segment was reserved for the left isoperistaltic afferent limb. Then, the remaining length of the 40 cm ileal segment was detubularized along its antimesenteric border. The anterior wall of the neobladder was folded forward and the free edges were sutured to achieve a spherical configuration. After single J ureteric stents were inserted into the ureters, the urethra and ureters were sutured with neobladder successively. For ECIN, the ileal segment is removed via a midline laparotomy below the umbilicus 5-10 cm. The construction method of neobladder was the same with ICIN group.

All 45 cases were successfully operated. There was no statistical difference between ICIN group and ECIN group in operation time [(374.2±74.6)min vs.(360.3±83.6)min, P=0.557] and extraction time of pelvic drainage tube[(12.5±5.9)d vs.(11.8±4.5)d, P=0.686]. Patients in the ICIN group had less intraoperative blood loss [(186.0±140.3)ml vs. (272.0±110.7)ml, P=0.030], shorter oral intake time [(4.2±2.2)d vs.(6.1±1.6)d, P=0.002], shorter postoperative hospital stay [(13.7±4.2)d vs.(19.9+ 7.6)d, P=0.001]. There was no significant difference in the early postoperative complications (P=0.345). The median follow-up time of ICIN group and ECIN group were 30 months and 52.5 months, respectively. The day-time and night-time continence rate were 97.4% and 86.8% respectively in the first year after surgery without significant difference. A total of 6 patients suffered distant metastasis, of whom 4 patients suffered multiple metastases, 1 case bone metastases and 1 case pelvic lymph node metastasis. Seven patients died, five of whom died of tumor recurrence or metastasis. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in cancer specific survival rates (P=0.644) and recurrence free survival rates (P=0.981).

Comparing with extracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder, intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder has advantages of less blood loss and faster intestinal function recovery, without significantly increased operative time and complications. No significant difference was found in the function of neobladder and oncological outcomes. Randomized controlled trial with large sample and long-term follow-up is needed to verify the advantages of intracorporeal neobladder construction.

Bladder cancer; Laparoscopy; Radical cystectomy; Orthotopic ileal neobladder