Interstitial brachytherapy for bladder cancer with the aid of laparoscopy*

Abstract

Since 2009, 40 patients with a T1/T2 bladder cancer have been treated at ARTI with interstitial brachytherapy via laparoscopy. Under general anaesthesia, the tumour area is implanted under cystoscopic control with the aid of a laparoscope, and instruments are attached to the Da Vinci robot. Mapping is then done via a simulator photo and a CT scan. With this method, the patient has fewer complications and the average hospitalization time is halved, while a consistent quality of implant is maintained. This method is also associated with a major reduction in the number of problems that can be attributed to the accessibility of the catheter.