Editorial Comment

Abstract

The surgical tenets of radical cystectomy were established years ago on the basis of our knowledge of the progression patterns of invasive bladder cancer. Early experience with less aggressive approaches made it clear that wide local excision of the bladder and its surrounding tissues, along with a thorough pelvic lymph node dissection, provides the optimal means to achieve local and regional cancer control. Because local recurrence after radical cystectomy is associated with fatal outcome, every attempt must be made to achieve cancer control. Changing the surgical technique of radical cystectomy in women to spare the gynecologic organs should be based on clear data that the change will not adversely affect cancer control and will provide a functional benefit—whether physiological, reconstructive, or psychological. Uterus-, Fallopian Tube-, Ovary-, and Vagina-sparing Cystectomy Followed by U-shaped Ileal Neobladder Construction for Female Bladder Cancer Patients: Oncological and Functional OutcomesUrologyVol. 75Issue 6PreviewTo evaluate oncological outcomes and voiding functions after orthotopic neobladder reconstruction with preservation of gynecologic organs in female bladder cancer patients. Full-Text PDF ReplyUrologyVol. 75Issue 6PreviewWe really appreciate the editorial comment. We agree with the opinion that changing the surgical technique of radical cystectomy in women to spare the gynecologic organs should be based on clear data that the change will not adversely affect cancer control and will provide a functional benefit. So we need to be very careful when we preserve gynecologic organs in radical cystectomy. However, in our opinion, gynecologic organs that are not involved with bladder cancer should not be removed. Full-Text PDF