Modified transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy in the management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: Best practice in a single center with updated results

OBJECTIVE: Radical nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Based on previous research, we prospectively compared the advantages of transperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (TLNU) with a three-port technique in a single position versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RLNU). METHODS: We evaluated 48 patients diagnosed with UTUC at our institution from January 2015 to October 2019. The patients underwent either TLNU (n = 24) or RLNU (n = 24). We randomly assigned the patients to each technique group based on their body mass index because our experience has shown that the body mass index is the main interfering factor for this surgery. The baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in the baseline characteristics, time until recovery of intestinal function, or postoperative hospital stay between the two groups. However, the TLNU group had a shorter operation time and better postoperative pain control than the RLNU group. CONCLUSION: Modified TLNU is associated with a shorter operative time and less severe postoperative pain compared with RLNU. Both techniques are safe and reliable with adequate management, and their therapeutic effects are comparable in other aspects.