Complete urinary tract exenteration for a dialysis patient with urothelial cancer: Lower midline and extraperitoneal approach in a supine position

Objectives: To report a novel technique of extraperitoneal complete urinary tract exenteration (CUTE) for dialysis patients with multifocal urothelial cancer via a lower midline approach in a supine position (the spread-eagle position [SEP]). Materials and Methods: From October 2006 to May 2009, extraperitoneal CUTE was performed in 10 dialysis patients with multifocal urothelial cancer. Patients were placed supine with both legs extended and abducted at 45 to 60 degrees and both arms stretched out to the sides (SEP). CUTE involves simultaneous bilateral hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARN) and cystectomy or cystoprostatectomy. Bilateral HARN was completed via a 7- to 8-cm lower midline incision and 4 laparoscopic ports (2 on each side). Infraumbilical incision was extended to 12 cm and then extraperitoneal cystectomy was performed under direct vision using standard open surgical techniques. Results: All procedures were successful. The mean operation time of extraperitoneal CUTE was 328 minutes. The time to oral intake was 2.6 days and to ambulation was 4.6 days. The mean parenteral narcotic requirement (morphine) was 43.6 mg (range, 12-88.6). No patient had recurrent transitional cell carcinoma at a mean follow-up of 29.8 months. Conclusions: Extraperitoneal CUTE via a lower midline incision in a completely supine position is feasible and safe. This technique has the benefit of easy supine positioning, eliminates the need for interprocedural repositioning, avoids bowel interference of the visual field, and reduces the risk of possible mechanical bowel injury of a retroperitoneal approach. This approach is a rational option when CUTE is considered.