Mini-laparotomy approach to radical cystectomy.

Objective: • To investigate the feasibility of performing radical cystectomy (RC) through a mini-laparotomy and to evaluate the effect of a smaller incision on wound problems, immediate postoperative pain, bowel function and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Patients And Methods: • Two consecutive cohorts of patients, one with 75 patients undergoing open RC (ORC) with lymph node dissection up to the aortic bifurcation through a conventional long midline incision and one with 75 patients undergoing RC through a mini-laparotomy (MinilapRC) of intentionally <8-10 cm. • Patient characteristics, operative duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), incidence and severity of wound problems, return of bowel function, amount of analgesics needed and LOS were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle.