Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy: Evaluation of functional and oncological results

Abstract Objective Radical cystectomy remains the most effective treatment for patients with localized, invasive bladder cancer and recurrent non-invasive disease. We report our experience with 84 consecutive cases of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with regard to perioperative results, pathological outcomes and surgical complications. Materials and methods A total of 84 consecutive patients (70 male and 14 female) underwent robotic radical cystectomy and urinary diversion at our institution from January 2007 to August 2010 for clinically localized bladder cancer. Outcome measures evaluated included operative variables, hospital recovery, pathological outcomes and complication rate. Results The mean age of this cohort was 65.5 years (range 28 to 82). Of the patients 62 underwent ileal conduit diversion, 22 received a neobladder. The mean operating room time for all patients was 261 min. (range: 243–618 min.) and the mean surgical blood loss was 298 ml (range: 50–2000 ml). 29% of the cases were pT1 or less disease, 38% were pT2, 26% and 7% were pT3 and T4 disease respectively, 15% were node positive. Mean number of lymph nodes removed was 15 (range 1 to 33). In 2 cases (2.4%) there was a positive surgical margin. Mean days to flatus were 2.12, bowel movement 2.87 and discharge from hospital 17.7 (range: 10–33). There were 45 postoperative complications with 11.9% having a major complication (Clavien grade 3 or higher). At a mean follow-up of 16.7 months 10 patients (11%) had disease recurrence and 2 died of disease. Conclusions Our experience with robotic radical cystectomy for the treatment of bladder cancer suggests that in proper hands, this procedure provides acceptable surgical and pathological outcomes.