Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion in Robotic Radical Cystectomy.

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy has gained increasing popularity over the past decade. Initially, the procedure was performed with extracorporeal urinary diversion given the technical challenges of the intracorporeal approach. Since then, innovative techniques have been described to facilitate bowel manipulation, assess ureteral and mesenteric vasculature, and perform ureteroenteric and urethro-ileal anastomosis. Overcoming the learning curve associated with intracorporeal urinary diversion can lead to decreased blood loss, shorter operative times, and faster convalescence, particularly with enhanced recovery protocols. Herein we review technical points, complications, outcomes, and future innovations in intracorporeal urinary diversion."

National trends in urinary diversion over the past 20 years: an Australian study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the trends in urinary diversion (UD) in Australia over the past 20 years, to correlate with patient demographics and to compare with international data. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Medicare Australia data was performed using the relevant Medicare Benefit Schedule procedure codes over the past 20 years. Included diversion procedures were ureterocutaneous, ureterocolonic, intestinal conduit and continent reservoir. All patients aged older than 15 years were included in the analyses. RESULTS: Over the past two decades, 6124 cystectomies and 7166 UDs were subsidized by Medicare Australia. The median age group for UD was 65-74 years old and 71.8% were male. Intestinal conduit accounted for the majority of UDs (84.9%), followed by continent reservoirs (11.8%). Ureterocolonic and ureterocutaneous accounted for small proportions (2.9% and 0.4%, respectively). The absolute numbers of UD procedures increased over the past 20 years but the proportion of different methods remained constant. The rates of continent reservoir UD were significantly higher in men and people aged less than 55 years old (P < 0.001 for both). Over the course of the study, the proportion of people aged greater than 75 years undergoing UD increased significantly (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In contrast to major international academic institutions, the proportion of continent reservoir UDs performed in Australia has not changed over the past two decades. Intestinal conduit remains the most common UD procedure.

Assessing trends in urinary diversion after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed recent trends in both urinary diversion after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in the United States and patient- and hospital-related characteristics. We also identified variables associated with undergoing continent diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We queried the National Cancer Database and identified 27,170 patients who underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion from 2004 to 2013. Patient demographics, socioeconomic variables, and hospital-related factors were compared between incontinent and continent diversion and trended over time. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with undergoing continent diversion. RESULTS: Overall, 23,224 (85.5%) and 3,946 (14.5%) patients underwent incontinent and continent diversion, respectively. Continent diversion declined from 17.2% in 2004 to 2006 to 12.1% in 2010 to 2013 (P < 0.01). When analyzing high-volume facilities, those performing ≥75% minimally invasive radical cystectomy had fewer continent diversions (10.2%) compared to centers with higher rate of open approach (19.7%), P < 0.01. Higher income, facility located in the West, academic programs, high-volume facilities, and patients traveling >60 miles for care were significantly associated with undergoing continent diversion. Rate of continent diversion has declined in most patient- and hospital-related subgroups. Compared to 2004 to 2006, patients in 2010 to 2013 were more likely to be older, have more comorbidities, and be operated on at a high-volume academic facility. CONCLUSION: The rate of continent diversion has declined to 12.1% in the United States. Hospital volume and type, patient income, distance traveled for care, and geography are significantly associated with undergoing continent diversion. Even among high-volume and academic centers, the rate of continent diversion is declining.

Constructing artificial urinary conduits: current capabilities and future potential.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal segments are currently used in reconstructive urology to create urinary diversion after cystectomy. Ileal conduit (IC) is the dominant type of urinary diversion. Nevertheless, IC is not an ideal solution as the procedure still requires entero-enterostomy to restore the bowel continuity. This step is a source of relevant complications that might prolong recovery time. Fabrication of artificial urinary conduit is a tempting idea to introduce an alternative form of urinary diversion which might improve cystectomy outcomes. AREAS COVERED: The aim of this review is to discuss available research data about artificial urinary conduit and identify major challenges for future studies. EXPERT OPINION: Fabrication of artificial urinary conduit is in range of current tissue engineering technology but there are still many challenges to overcome. There is an urgent need for studies to be conducted on large animal models with long follow up to expose the limitation of experimental strategies and to gather data for translational research.

Urinary Diversion After Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Comparing Trends in the US and Germany from 2006 to 2014.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess and compare trends of urinary diversion (UD) for patients receiving radical cystectomy for the treatment of bladder cancer in the US and Germany, and to investigate decisive predictors for the choice of UD. METHODS: We analyzed the nationwide German hospital billing database and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2006 to 2014. Cases with a bladder cancer diagnosis combined with RC were included, and trends in the choice of UD, transfusion rates, length of stay, and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2014, the total number of RCs recorded within the NIS were 17,711, with a varying annual caseload of 1666-2009, while RC numbers increased from 5627 to 7390 in Germany (p < 0.001 for trends), with a total of 60,447 cases. The share of incontinent UD in the US remained stable at 93%, while increasing from 63.2 to 70.8% in Germany. Multivariate models indicated age and sex were the most important factors associated with the choice of UD in both countries, while hospital caseload and teaching status were less relevant factors in the US. In-hospital mortality was lower in the US compared with Germany (1.9% vs. 4.6%; p < 0.001), with significantly shorter hospital stays (10.7 days in the US vs. 25.1 days in Germany; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The increasing age of patients with presumably higher comorbidity in recent years led to increased use of incontinent UD in Germany, while continent UD appears to be underused in the US. Mortality and transfusion rates were significantly lower in the US within a shorter hospital stay.

Trends in urinary diversion after radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To assess how trends in urinary diversion (UD) type following radical cystectomy (RC) have changed in recent years and investigate pre-operative predictors of UD type. METHODS: Data were abstracted from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) from 2011 to 2015. We quantified the percentages of continent diversions (CD) versus incontinent diversions (ID) completed over this time frame. Using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses, we compared UD type across year of operation as well as predictors of type of diversion. RESULTS: We identified 4790 patients in the cohort, of which 81% underwent an incontinent diversion. Patients undergoing incontinent diversions were older (p < 0.001), more likely to be female (p < 0.001), had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (p < 0.001) and had more comorbidities with worse preoperative lab values. On multivariable analysis, the odds of incontinent diversion increased per year (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.26; p = 0.001). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was associated with lower odds of receiving an ID (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.17-0.64; p = 0.001). Being male, healthy and young were associated with higher odds of CD. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that there has been a decrease in continent diversion use in recent years. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, proxies of life expectancy and gender are significant predictors of continent diversion. Further investigation to determine the underlying cause of decreased utilization of CD is warranted.

Advances in Pediatric Urinary Diversion.

Pediatric urinary diversion is performed for a unique set of indications with many options to consider. Although surgical intervention has decreased in necessity overall due to advances in expectant management, it remains an important tool. There are many options and various factors to consider in choosing the right type of diversion for an individual and these patients require lifelong follow-up with a pediatric urologist and eventually an adult urologist. This article provides a detailed review of the most relevant techniques used by pediatric urologists for urinary diversion.

Outcomes of Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion after Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: Results from the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to provide an update and compare perioperative outcomes and complications of intracorporeal and extracorporeal urinary diversion following robot-assisted radical cystectomy using data from the multi-institutional, prospectively maintained International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 2,125 patients from a total of 26 institutions. Intracorporeal urinary diversion was compared with extracorporeal urinary diversion. Multivariate logistic regression models using stepwise variable selection were fit to evaluate preoperative, operative and postoperative predictors of intracorporeal urinary diversion, operative time, high grade complications and 90-day hospital readmissions after robot-assisted radical cystectomy. RESULTS: In our cohort 1,094 patients (51%) underwent intracorporeal urinary diversion. These patients demonstrated shorter operative time (357 vs 400 minutes), less blood loss (300 vs 350 ml) and fewer blood transfusions (4% vs 19%, all p <0.001). They experienced more high grade complications (13% vs 10%, p = 0.02). Intracorporeal urinary diversion use increased from 9% of all urinary diversions in 2005 to 97% in 2015. Complications after this procedure decreased significantly with time (p <0.001). On multivariable analysis higher annual cystectomy volume (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p <0.002), year of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (2013-2016 OR 68, 95% CI 44-105, p <0.001) and American Society of Anesthesiologists® score less than 3 (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.38-2.22, p <0.001) were associated with undergoing intracorporeal urinary diversion. The procedure was associated with a shorter operative time of 27 minutes (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of intracorporeal urinary diversion has increased in the last decade. A higher annual institutional volume of robot-assisted radical cystectomy was associated with intracorporeal urinary diversion as well as with shorter operative time. Although intracorporeal urinary diversion was associated with higher grade complications than extracorporeal urinary diversion, they decreased with time.

Temporal Trends in Conduit Urinary Diversion With Concomitant Cystectomy for Benign Indications: A Population-based Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe national trends in cystectomy at the time of urinary diversion for benign indications. Multiple practice patterns exist regarding the necessity for concomitant cystectomy with urinary diversion for benign end-stage lower urinary tract dysfunction. Beyond single-institution reports, limited data are available to describe how concurrent cystectomy is employed on a national level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A representative sample of patients undergoing urinary diversion for benign indications with or without concurrent cystectomy was identified from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2011. Using multivariate logistic regression models, we identified hospital- and patient-level characteristics associated with concomitant cystectomy with urinary diversion. RESULTS: There was an increase in the proportion of concomitant cystectomy at the time of urinary diversion from 20% to 35% (P < .001) between 1998 and 2011. The increase in simultaneous cystectomy over time occurred at teaching hospitals (vs community hospitals), in older patients, in male patients, in the Medicare population (vs private insurance and Medicaid), and in those with certain diagnoses. CONCLUSION: There has been an overall increase in the use of cystectomy at the time of urinary diversion for benign indications on a national level, although the indications driving this clinical decision appear inconsistent.

Getting out of a tight spot: an overview of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures.

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is the gold-standard treatment for muscle-invasive and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture is a well-known complication of urinary diversion and is associated with serious sequelae that lead to total or partial loss of kidney function, infectious complications, and the need for additional procedures. Although the exact aetiology of benign ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures is unclear, they most likely occur secondary to ischaemia at the anastomotic region. Diagnosis can be achieved using retrograde contrast studies, CT scan or MAG3 renography. Open revision remains the gold-standard treatment for ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures; however, endourological techniques are being increasingly used and, in select patients, might be the optimal approach.

Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted radical cystectomy: optimizing total outcomes.

We performed a systematic literature review to assess the current status of a totally intracorporeal robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) approach. The current 'gold standard' for radical cystectomy remains open radical cystectomy. RARC has lagged behind robot-assisted prostatectomy in terms of adoption and perceived patient benefit, but there are indications that this is now changing. There have been several recently published large series of RARC, both with extracorporeal and with intracorporeal urinary diversions. The present review focuses on the totally intracorporeal approach. Radical cystectomy is complex surgery with several important outcome measures, including oncological and functional outcomes, complication rates, patient recovery and cost implications. We aim to answer the question of whether there are advantages to a totally intracorporeal robotic approach or whether we are simply making an already complex procedure more challenging with an associated increase in complication rates. We review the current status of both oncological and functional outcomes of totally intracorporeal RARC compared with standard RARC with extraperitoneal urinary diversion and with open radical cystectomy, and assess the associated short- and long-term complication rates. We also review aspects in training and research that have affected the uptake of RARC. Additionally we evaluate how current technology is contributing to the future development of this surgical technique.

Estudio comparativo de morbimortalidad entre conducto ileal y ureterosigmoidostomía tras cistectomía radical por neoplasia vesical / Comparative Study of Morbidity and Mortality Between Ileal Conduit and Ureterosigmoidostomy After Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Neoplasm

Objetivos: Pese a la tendencia creciente a la elaboración de neovejigas ortotópicas, en muchos casos no es posible su realización, manteniendo su vigencia otras técnicas. Planteamos un análisis comparativo entre pacientes con cistectomía radical por neoplasia vesical y reconstrucción mediante conducto ileal (CI) o ureterosigmoidostomía (USG). Pacientes y método: Estudio retrospectivo observacional sobre 255 pacientes con cistectomía radical entre 1985 y 2009, seleccionando las derivaciones mediante CI o USG. Análisis de características demográficas y prequirúrgicas, complicaciones periquirúrgicas, anatomía patológica y complicaciones a medio y largo plazo. Comparación entre grupos mediante «t» de Student, U Mann-Whitney y chi cuadrado, considerando significación estadística si p < 0,05. Elaboración de tablas de supervivencia según Kaplan-Meier, estableciendo comparaciones mediante el test log rank. Resultados: Cuarenta y un CI y 55 USG, con edad media aproximada de 61 años. USG realizada en un mayor número de mujeres que el CI. Sin diferencias en la necesidad de transfusión, con resultados similares a otras series. Mayor tendencia hacia la aparición de fístulas intestinales y mayor morbimortalidad en el postoperatorio en la USG, aunque no significativa. A largo plazo, mayor presencia de eventraciones en CI y pielonefritis, y necesidad de toma de alcalinizantes en USG. Aparición de hernias periestomales en CI menor que en series previas. Con seguimiento medio superior a 50 meses, supervivencia global del 40% a 5 años, sin diferencias según derivación urinaria. Conclusiones: CI y USG son 2 derivaciones urinarias aplicables en caso de no poder realizar neovejiga ortotópica, con un perfil de complicaciones y supervivencia a largo plazo similares en nuestra serie, aunque con una mayor morbilidad en las complicaciones postoperatorias de la USG (AU)

Objectives: Despite the growing trend in the development of orthotopic neobladders, the procedure cannot be performed in many cases, thereby retaining the validity of other techniques. We propose a comparative analysis between patients with radical cystectomy for bladder neoplasm and reconstruction using the ileal conduit (IC) or ureterosigmoidostomy (USG). Patients and method: Observational retrospective study on 255 patients with radical cystectomy between 1985 and 2009, selecting group assignments by the use of IC and USG. Analysis of the demographic and preoperative characteristics, perioperative complications, pathology and medium to long-term complications. Comparison of groups using T-Student, U-Mann–Whitney and chi square tests, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Preparation of survival tables according to Kaplan–Meier, establishing comparisons using the log-rank test. Results: There were 41 cases of IC and 55 cases of USG, with a mean patient age of approximately 61 years. USGs were performed on a greater number of females than ICs. There were no differences in the need for transfusion, with similar results as other series. There was a greater trend toward the appearance of intestinal fistulae and greater morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period in USG, although it was not significant. There was a greater long-term presence of eventrations in IC, and of pyelonephritis and the need for taking alkalinizing agents in USG. The appearance of peristomal hernias in IC was less than in previous series. With a mean follow-up greater than 50 months, the overall survival was 40% at 5 years, with no differences according to urinary diversion. Conclusions: IC and USG are two applicable urinary diversions in the event that orthotopic neobladder surgery cannot be performed. They have a similar long-term complication and survival profile in our series, although with a higher morbidity in postoperative complications for USG (AU)

Population-based trends in urinary diversion among patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and what does the study add?: Variations in the type of urinary diversion exist for patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Although its use has been increasing from 2001 to 2008, patients who are older, female, and primary insured by Medicaid are less likely to receive continent diversions. Furthermore, patients treated surgically at high-volume and teaching hospitals are more likely to receive continent diversions. OBJECTIVE: To describe the contemporary trends in urinary diversion among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer; and elucidate whether socioeconomic disparities persist in the type of diversion performed in the USA from a population-based cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer between 2001 and 2008. Multivariable regression models were used to identify patient and hospital covariates associated with continent urinary diversion and enumerate predicted probabilities for statistically significant variables over time. RESULTS: Overall, 55635 (92%) patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer received incontinent urinary diversion, while 4552 (8%) patients received continent diversion from 2001 to 2008. Receipt of continent urinary diversion increased from 6.6% in 2001-2002 to 9.4% in 2007-2008 (P < 0.001 for trend). Patients who were older (odds ratio [OR] 0.93; P < 0.001), female (OR 0.52; P < 0.001) and insured by Medicaid (OR 0.54; P = 0.002) were less likely to receive continent urinary diversion. However, patients treated at teaching (OR 2.14; P < 0.001) and high-volume hospitals (OR 2.39; P = 0.04) had higher odds of continent urinary diversion. Predicted probabilities of continent diversion remained lower for female patients, Medicaid insurance status, and non-teaching and medium/low-volume hospitals over time. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationally representative sample of hospitals from 2001 to 2008, the use of continent diversion in RC gradually increased. Although variations in urinary diversion exist by hospital teaching status, case volume, patient gender and primary health insurance, increased attention in expanding the use of continent diversions may help reduce these disparities for patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer.

Urinary diversion practice patterns among certifying American urologists.

PURPOSE: We investigated trends in urinary diversion use and surgeon characteristics in the performance of incontinent and continent urinary diversion using American Board of Urology data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Annualized case log data for urinary diversion were obtained from the American Board of Urology for urologists who certified or recertified from 2002 to 2010. We evaluated the association between surgeon characteristics and the performance of any urinary diversion or the type of urinary diversion. RESULTS: Of the 5,096 certifying or recertifying urologist case logs examined 1,868 (37%) urologists performed any urinary diversion. The median number of urinary diversions was 4 per year (IQR 2, 6) and 222 urologists (4%) performed 10 or more per year. On multivariate analysis younger urologists, those self-identified as oncologists or female urologists, those who certified in more recent years and those in larger practice areas or outside the Northeast region of the United States were more likely to perform any urinary diversion. Only 9% of the total cohort (471 urologists) performed any continent urinary diversion. The likelihood of performing any continent urinary diversion increased with the number of urinary diversions (p <0.0001). As urinary diversion volume increased, the proportion representing continent urinary diversion also increased (p <0.0005). Surgeons in private practice settings and those in the Northeast were less likely to perform continent urinary diversion. CONCLUSIONS: Few urologists perform any urinary diversion. Continent urinary diversion is most frequently done by high volume surgeons. The type of urinary diversion that a patient receives may depend in part on surgeon characteristics.

Toxina botulínica en el fracaso del cierre de derivaciones urinarias altas / Botulinum toxin in the failure of high urinary diversion closure

Introducción: El cierre de las derivaciones urinarias realizadas en la edad neonatal tiene un no despreciable porcentaje de fracasos en pacientes con patología vesical. Presentamos el uso de toxina botulínica como alternativa útil y mínimamente invasiva para el tratamiento en estos pacientes. Material y métodos: Presentamos dos pacientes monorrenos con valvas de uretra posterior (VUP) en los que fue necesario realizar ureterostomía por insuficiencia renal severa. En ambos pacientes fracasó el intento posterior de cierre de la derivación. Con 4 y 10 años de edad presentaban vejigas conocidas comúnmente como «vejigas secas», con baja capacidad (20 y 110ml), mala acomodación (1,5 y 3,1ml/ cm H2O) y altas presiones de apertura del detrusor. Se realizó punción en el detrusor de toxina botulínica-A 10 UI/ kg en una y dos ocasiones respectivamente previas al cierre de la derivación. Resultados: En ninguno de los pacientes hubo empeoramiento clínico ni ecográfico tras el cierre de la derivación, permaneciendo la función renal sin cambios respecto a la previa tras uno y 4 años de seguimiento, respectivamente. La videourodinámica al año de la intervención muestra una gran mejoría de la capacidad vesical (451 y 250ml), de la acomodación (20,4 y 81,9ml/ cm H2O) y de la presión de apertura del detrusor. Conclusiones: El cierre de las derivaciones urinarias altas tiene un porcentaje de fracasos elevado en niños con vejigas patológicas con presiones elevadas. La toxina botulínica puede ser útil como tratamiento vesical previo al cierre de la derivación, especialmente en pacientes monorrenos (AU)

Introduction: The closure of urinary diversions performed on newly born infants has a notable failure percentage in patients with bladder disease. We present the use of botulinum toxin as a useful and minimally invasive alternative to treat these patients. Material and methods: We present two patients with a single kidney and with posterior urethral valves (PUV), in whom it was necessary to perform a ureterostomy due to chronic kidney disease. In both patients, the subsequent attempt to close the diversion failed. Aged 4 and 10years respectively, they presented bladders commonly known as “dry bladders”, with a low capacity (20 and 110ml), bad adaptation (1.5 and 3.1ml/ cm H2O) and high opening detrusor pressure. A 10 UI/Kg botulinum toxin A puncture was applied in the detrusor on one and two occasions respectively, prior to the closure of the diversion. Results: Neither of the patients suffered clinical or ecographic worsening after the closure of the diversion and their kidney function continued without change with respect to the first diversion after one and four years of follow-up respectively. One year after the surgical procedure, video urodynamics showed a significant improvement in bladder capacity (451 and 250ml), in adaptation (20.4 and 81.9ml/cmH2O) and in the opening detrusor pressure. Conclusions: The closure of high urinary diversions has a high failure percentage in infants with pathological high-pressure bladders. Botulinum toxin may be useful as bladder treatment prior to closure of the diversion, especially in patients with a single kidney (AU)

Urinary diversion trends at a high volume, single American tertiary care center.

PURPOSE: We analyzed patient characteristics and practice patterns at our institution with time, and identified current patterns and factors contributing to the choice of urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 553 consecutive radical cystectomy and urinary diversions performed from January 2000 to July 2005. Multivariate analysis was done to determine significant differences in diversion choice. RESULTS: We analyzed the records of 539 patients, including 338 with an ileal conduit and 201 with a neobladder. Patients with a neobladder were younger (mean age 62 vs 71 years) and had fewer comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists class greater than 2 in 31% vs 69%) than those with an ileal conduit. Mean age and the percent of American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 cases increased during the study. Neobladder represented 47% of urinary diversions in 2000 and 21% in 2005. On multivariate analysis age (p <0.001), gender (p = 0.004), surgery year (p = 0.002), American Society of Anesthesiologists class greater than 2 (p = 0.004), organ confined disease (p = 0.01) and surgeon (p <0.001) independently predicted diversion choice. Patients were dichotomized into young (younger than 65 years) and old (65 years old or older) groups. Overall 59% of younger and 26% of older patients received a neobladder (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant trend toward the more liberal use of ileal conduit urinary diversion. Patients with female gender, advanced age, significant medical comorbidity or locally advanced disease were less likely to undergo neobladder urinary diversion. This trend is partly explained by surgeon preference combined with an aging, more comorbid patient population. Neobladder continues to be the most commonly performed urinary diversion in patients younger than 65 years.

Current developments for pelvic exenteration in gynecologic oncology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review aims to update new techniques of pelvic exenteration including minimal invasive surgery, and discuss other aspects of this radical surgery, including worldwide differences. RECENT FINDINGS: Major advances are made since the first description of pelvic exenteration and the operation is still under evolution. Explorative laparoscopy prior to exenteration is a valuable alternative to laparotomy to elect candidates for pelvic exenteration. There are considerable differences with respect to indications, contraindications, preoperative staging and adjuvant therapy after exenteration in different countries. Advances in laparoscopic instruments also led to the laparoscopic exenteration. The main limiting step of the operation is urinary diversion. New techniques of laparoscopic-assisted and robotic-assisted techniques of urinary diversion have been reported that decrease the operation time. Vascularized muscle flaps are preferred by many surgeons to fill the empty pelvis and provide an acceptable vaginal reconstruction. J-pouch seems to be a safer technique than end-to-end coloanal anastomosis for bowel reconstruction. Developments in the bioengineering tissue for pelvic reconstruction are required. SUMMARY: Laparoscopy has the advantages of decreased blood loss, improved convalescence, lower incidence of wound infection and incisional hernia, short recovery periods, rapid return of bowel function, better pain control and improved cosmetics compared with laparotomy for pelvic exenteration. Magnification and improved visualization permits en-bloc dissection of tumor and good anastomosis technique. New techniques of urinary diversion, orthotopic neobladder and coloanal are promising.