Radical cystectomy pentafecta: a proposal for standardisation of outcomes reporting following robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a standardisable composite method for reporting outcomes of radical cystectomy (RC) that incorporates both perioperative morbidity and oncological adequacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 2010 to December 2017, 277 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted RC with intracorporeal urinary diversion (UD) for bladder cancer at our Institution were prospectively analysed. Patients who simultaneously demonstrated negative soft tissue surgical margins (STSMs), ≥16 lymph node (LN) yield, absence of major (grade III-IV) complications at 90 days, absence of UD-related long-term sequelae and absence of clinical recurrence at ≤12 months, were considered as having achieved the RC-pentafecta. A multivariable logistic regression model was assessed to measure predictors for achieving RC-pentafecta. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Since 2010, 270 of 277 patients that had completed at least 12 months of follow-up were included. Over a mean follow-up of 22.3 months, ≥16 LN yield, negative STSMs, absence of major complications at 90 days, and absence of UD-related surgical sequelae and clinical recurrence at ≤12 months were observed in 93.0%, 98.9%, 76.7%, 81.5% and 92.2%, patients, respectively, resulting in a RC-pentafecta rate of 53.3%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed age (odds ratio [OR] 0.95; P = 0.002), type of UD (OR 2.19; P = 0.01) and pN stage (OR 0.48; P = 0.03) as independent predictors for achieving RC-pentafecta. CONCLUSIONS: We present a RC-pentafecta as a standardisable composite endpoint that incorporates perioperative morbidity and oncological adequacy as a potential tool to assess quality of RC. This tool may be useful for assessing the learning curve and calculating cost-effectiveness amongst others but needs to be externally validated in future studies.

Best practices in near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (NIRF/ICG)-guided robotic urologic surgery: a systematic review-based expert consensus.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of the near-infrared (NIRF) technology with indocyanine green (ICG) in robotic urologic surgery by performing a systematic literature review and to provide evidence-based expert recommendations on best practices in this field. METHODS: All English language publications on NIRF/ICG-guided robotic urologic procedures were evaluated. We followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) statement to evaluate PubMed®, Scopus® and Web of Science™ databases (up to April 2019). Experts in the field provided detailed pictures and intraoperative video-clips of different NIRF/ICG-guided robotic surgeries with recommendations for each procedure. A unique QRcode was generated and linked to each underlying video-clip. This new exclusive feature makes the present the first "dynamic paper" that merges text and figure description with their own video providing readers an innovative, immersive, high-quality and user-friendly experience. RESULTS: Our electronic search identified a total of 576 papers. Of these, 36 studies included in the present systematic review reporting the use of NIRF/ICG in robotic partial nephrectomy (n = 13), robotic radical prostatectomy and lymphadenectomy (n = 7), robotic ureteral re-implantation and reconstruction (n = 5), robotic adrenalectomy (n = 4), robotic radical cystectomy (n = 3), penectomy and robotic inguinal lymphadenectomy (n = 2), robotic simple prostatectomy (n = 1), robotic kidney transplantation (n = 1) and robotic sacrocolpopexy (n = 1). CONCLUSION: NIRF/ICG technology has now emerged as a safe, feasible and useful tool that may facilitate urologic robotic surgery. It has been shown to improve the identification of key anatomical landmarks and pathological structures for oncological and non-oncological procedures. Level of evidence is predominantly low. Larger series with longer follow-up are needed, especially in assessing the quality of the nodal dissection and the feasibility of the identification of sentinel nodes and the impact of these novel technologies on long-term oncological and functional outcomes.

Robotic Radical Cystectomy Outcomes after Intervention for Prostate Cancer.

Introduction and Objectives: We evaluated patients who underwent treatment for prostate cancer and then subsequent robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Our objective was to understand clinical, pathologic, and survival outcomes in these patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 333 male patients underwent RARC with standard intracorporeal urinary diversion from 2009 to 2019. We evaluated patients who underwent a radical prostatectomy (RP) and either external beam radiation or brachytherapy (XRT) before RARC. These patients were compared with patients who underwent RARC without any prior intervention for or history of prostate cancer (radical cystectomy [RC]). Results: Patients in the RP and XRT groups were found to be older than the RC group (p = 0.0108) and also have a greater Charlson comorbidity index (p < 0.001). There was no difference in estimated blood loss, operative time, and length of stay across all three groups. The RP group had a higher rate of positive margins 31.58% compared with RC and XRT at 8.22% and 10.00%, respectively (p = 0.0036). There was also a higher rate of extravesical disease on final pathology report for the XRT group at 60.00% compared with 37.5% and 36.85% for RC and RP, respectively (p = 0.0056). Overall survival was lowest in the XRT group compared with RP and RC (p > 0.001) with no difference in recurrence-free survival. Conclusion: Patients in the RP group have higher rates of positive margin, whereas patients in the XRT group have higher rates of extravesical disease and overall survival after undergoing a RARC. Careful counseling and attention to these parameters is required in these patient populations.

The robotic approach improves the outcomes of ERAS protocol after radical cystectomy: A prospective case-control analysis.

BACKGROUND: Minimally-invasive approach is one of the mainstays of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) introduction has reduced the surgical burden on patient's recovery. Accordingly, ERAS protocol benefits may be more striking in RARC patients. We evaluated the impact of surgical approach on perioperative outcomes, Fast Track (FT) recovery steps and Trifecta success rates in patients undergoing RC followed by FT protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We considered 147 patients who underwent RC, with open (Open radical cystectomy [ORC]; 47.6%) or robotic (RARC; 52.4%) approach at 2 tertiary centers. Urinary diversions were ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder. All patients underwent FT protocol. We analyzed perioperative surgical and functional outcomes and Trifecta success rates (namely, defecation <5 days, in-hospital stay <10 days and no major complications). Uni and multivariable logistic regression explored the predictors for Trifecta success and the impact of surgical approach on recovery steps. RESULTS: Patients undergoing RARC had higher FT adherence (95% vs. 61%) compared to ORCs (P < 0.01). Trifecta success rates were higher for RARC (79.2% vs 28.6%; P < 0.001). At multivariable analyses, RARC was an independent predictor for Trifecta success (OR 9.1), early mobilization (OR 5.9) and FT adherence (OR 3.33; all P < 0.001). Surgical technique was not associated with major complications or readmission within 90 days (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: RARC has more favorable perioperative outcomes compared to ORC, with higher Trifecta success rates. Accordingly, robotic approach should be ideally included in every center where ERAS protocol is applied to RC for maximizing patient's recovery.

Robotic Female Radical Cystectomy.

Radical cystectomy is the standard of care for patients with nonmetastatic high-risk bladder cancer. Robotic approach to radical cystectomy has been developed to reduce perioperative morbidities and enhance postoperative recovery while maintaining oncologic control. Classically, radical cystectomy in female patient entails anterior pelvic exenteration with removal of the bladder, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, anterior vaginal wall, and urethra. Pelvic organ-sparing radical cystectomy has been adopted in carefully selected patients to optimize postoperative sexual and urinary function, especially in those undergoing orthotopic urinary diversion. In this article, we describe our techniques of both classical and organ-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy in female patients. We also review patient selection criteria, perioperative management, and alternative approaches to improve operative outcomes in female patients.

Successful Multidisciplinary Repair of Severe Bilateral Uretero-Enteric Stricture with Inflammatory Reaction Extending to the Left Iliac Artery, after Robotic Radical Cystectomy and Intracorporeal Ileal Neobladder.

Uretero-enteric anastomotic strictures (UES) after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) represent the main cause of post-operative renal dysfunction. The gold standard for treatment of UES is open uretero-ileal reimplantation (UIR), which is often a challenging and complex procedure associated with significant morbidity. We report a challenging case of long severe bilateral UES (5 cm on the left side, 3 cm on the right side) after RARC in a 55 years old male patient who was previously treated in another institution and who came to our attention with kidney dysfunction and bilateral ureteral stents from the previous two years. Difficult multiple ureteral stent placement and substitutions had been previously performed in another hospital, with resulting urinary leakage. An open surgical procedure via an anterior transperitoneal approach was performed at our hospital, which took 10 h to complete, given the massive intestinal and periureteral adhesions, which required very meticulous dissection. A vascular surgeon was called to repair an accidental rupture that had occurred during the dissection of the external left iliac artery, involved in the extensive periureteral inflammatory process. Excision of a segment of the external iliac artery was accomplished, and an interposition graft using a reversed saphenous vein was performed. Bilateral ureteroneocystostomy followed, which required, on the left side, the interposition of a Casati-Boari flap harvested from the neobladder, and on the right side a neobladder-psoas-hitching procedure with intramucosal direct ureteral reimplantation. The patient recovered well and is currently in good health, as determined at his recent 24-month follow-up visit. No signs of relapse of the strictures or other complications were detected. Bilateral ureteral reimplantation after robotic radical cystectomy is a complex procedure that should be restricted to high-volume centers, where multidisciplinary teams are available, including urologists, endourologists, and general and vascular surgeons.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with totally intracorporeal urinary diversion: surgical and early functional outcomes through the learning curve in a single high-volume center.

The aim of the study is to report surgical and early functional outcomes of first 100 patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with totally intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) in a single center. The main surgeon (A.P.) attended a modular training program at a referring center mentored by a worldwide-recognized robotic surgeon (P.W.). The program consisted of: (a) 10 h of theoretical lessons; (b) video session (c) step-by-step in vivo modular training. Each procedure was performed as taught, without any technique variation. Demographics, intra-operative data and post-operative complications, along with early functional outcomes, were recorded for each patient. We retrospectively evaluated the first consecutive 100 patients submitted to RARC with totally ICUD from July 2015 to December 2018. Median age at surgery was 69 years (IQR 60-74). 52 (52%), 32 (32%), and 17 (17%) patients received orthotopic neobladder, ileal conduit and uretero-cutaneostomy, respectively. Median operative time was 410 min. A median number of lymph nodes retrieved were 27 and median estimated blood loss was 240 mL with median hospitalization time of 7 days. All procedures were completed successfully without open conversion. A statistically significant improvement was found in the late (30-90 post-operative days) post-operative complications (p = 0.02) and operative time for urinary derivation. At multivariate logistic regression model ASA score ≥ 3 (OR = 4.2, p = 0.002) and number of lymph nodes retrieved (OR = 1.16, p = 0.02) were found to be predictors of 90-day complications. An adequate modular training is paramount to obtain successful results and reduce the learning curve of RARC, as demonstrated by our experience.

Defining a "High Volume" Radical Cystectomy Hospital: Where Do We Draw the Line?

BACKGROUND: Centralization of radical cystectomy (RC) to "high volume" centers can lead to decreased morbidity but also limits access to care. In the context of centralization, there is a need to systematically define the hospital volume cutoffs for this procedure. OBJECTIVE: To systematically examine the effect of hospital volume on inpatient complications of RC for bladder cancer and to define a threshold to minimize RC morbidity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective analysis of data for 6790 adults undergoing RC for nonmetastatic bladder cancer during 2008-2011 from the National Inpatient Sample (weighted population estimate of 33 249 RCs in the USA during this period). INTERVENTION: RC. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Overall and major complications were defined according to International Classification of Diseases (9th revision) diagnosis and procedure codes. To define the relationship between hospital volume and morbidity, logistic regression analyses within a generalized estimating equation framework with restricted cubic splines were used. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The inpatient complication rate was 4769/6790 (70.2%), of which 1572/6790 (23.2%) were major complications. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a significant inverse nonlinear association between hospital volume and complications. The odds of complications decreased with increasing volume, with a plateau at 50-55 cases/yr for any complications (p=0.024) and 45-50 cases/yr for major complications (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between hospital volume and RC morbidity is nonlinear, with a plateau for the complication rate at 50-55 cases/yr. Restricting RC to centers with such high thresholds will restrict access to care. There is a need to identify and publish best practices from high-volume centers in quality improvement initiatives to improve morbidity at low-volume centers. PATIENT SUMMARY: There is a nonlinear relationship between the annual number of radical cystectomy procedures performed at a hospital and the inpatient complication rate. Complications decrease with increasing hospital volume and reach a plateau at 50-55 cases per year, beyond which the incremental benefit of increasing volume is minimal.

Impact of Clinical Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in the Era of Robot Assisted Radical Cystectomy: Results of a Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has been proven to be an established prognostic factor after open radical cystectomy (ORC). We evaluated the impact of NACT on survival outcomes of a single-institution robotic radical cystectomy (RARC) series. METHODS: From January 2012 to June 2020, 79 patients were identified. Baseline, demographic, perioperative, and pathologic data were described. Kaplan-Meier with the log-rank test was used to compare overall survival (OS) differences between complete, partial, and no-NACT responders, respectively. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of OS. RESULTS: Complete, partial, and absent response to NACT were recorded in 43 (54.4%), 21 (19%), and 15 (26.6%) patients, respectively. A complete response to NACT displayed a trend toward significant higher OS (p = 0.03). In univariable analysis, significant predictors of lower OS were hypertension (HR 3.37; CI 95% 1.31-8.62; p = 0.01); advanced nodal involvement (HR 2.41; CI 95% 0.53-10.9; p < 0.001); and incomplete response to NACT (HR 0.41; CI 95% 0.18-0.95; p = 0.039). In multivariable analysis, the only independent predictor of worse OS was advanced pathologic N stages (HR 10.1; CI: 95% CI 2.3-44.3; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Complete response to NACT is associated with increased OS probability, but significant nodal residual disease remains the only independent predictor of OS after RARC.

Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Studer Pouch Formation for Bladder Cancer: Experience in Ninety-Eight Cases.

Aim: To report the outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection (BEPLND) and intracorporeal Studer pouch formation for bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: Overall 98 patients (92 males, 6 females) were included. Patient demographics, operative and postoperative variables, pathological parameters, complications, and functional outcomes were evaluated. Results: Mean age and American Society of Anesthesiologists score and body mass index were 60.9 years, 1.7 and 26 kg/m2, respectively. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 18 patients. Mean operation time, intraoperative estimated blood loss, and mean lymph node (LN) yield were 8.22 hours, 314.6 mL, and 28.3, respectively. Mean hospitalization time was 13.6 days. There were one perioperative and one postoperative deaths, both due to cardiac arrest on postoperative 21st and 60th days. Drains were removed at a mean of 10 days. Surgical margins were positive in two patients. Postoperative pathological stages were reported as pT0 (n = 21), pTis (n = 7), pT1 (n = 7), pT2a (n = 14), pT2b (n = 14), pT3a (n = 15), pT3b (n = 11), and pT4a (n = 9). Positive LNs were found in 21 patients. Prostate cancer was incidentally detected in 23 patients. Twenty-five patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. At a mean follow-up period of 25.1 months, 13 patients died from metastatic disease and 7 from cardiac disease. According to the modified Clavien-Dindo system, 30 minor and 20 major complications were identified in the perioperative (0-30 days) period, and 6 minor and 7 major complications were detected in the postoperative (31-90 days) period. According to the available data of the 60 patients, 37 were fully continent, 14 had mild, 6 had moderate, and 4 had severe daytime incontinence. Conclusions: Due to our experience, RARC with BEPLND and intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction procedures are complex procedures with acceptable morbidity, excellent surgical and pathological outcomes, and satisfactory oncologic and functional results.

Recovery from Anesthesia after Robotic-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: Two Different Reversals of Neuromuscular Blockade.

During robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), specific surgical conditions (a steep Trendelenburg position, prolonged pneumoperitoneum, effective myoresolution until the final stages of surgery) can seriously impair the outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and ileus and the quality of cognitive function at the awakening in two groups of patients undergoing different reversals. In this randomized trial, patients that were American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) ≤III candidates for RARC for bladder cancer were randomized into two groups: In the sugammadex (S) group, patients received 2 mg/kg of sugammadex as reversal of neuromuscolar blockade; in the neostigmine (N) group, antagonization was obtained with neostigmine 0.04 mg/kg + atropine 0.02 mg/kg. PONV was evaluated at 30 min, 6 and 24 h after anesthesia. Postoperative cognitive functions and time to resumption of intestinal transit were also investigated. A total of 109 patients were analyzed (54 in the S group and 55 in the N group). The incidence of early PONV was lower in the S group but not statistically significant (S group 25.9% vs. N group 29%; p = 0.711). The Mini-Mental State test mean value was higher in the S group vs. the N group (1 h after surgery: 29.3 (29; 30) vs. 27.6 (27; 30), p = 0.007; 4 h after surgery: 29.5 (30; 30) vs. 28.4 (28; 30), p = 0.05). We did not observe a significant decrease of the PONV after sugammadex administration versus neostigmine use. The Mini-Mental State test mean value was greater in the S group.

Open versus robotic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal Studer diversion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare open versus totally intracorporeal robotic-assisted radical cystectomy, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection, and Studer urinary diversion in bladder cancer patients. METHODS: A retrospective comparison of open (n = 42) versus totally intracorporeal (n = 32) robotic-assisted radical cystectomy, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection, and Studer urinary diversion was performed concerning patient demographic data, operative and postoperative parameters, pathologic parameters, complications, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Patient demographic data and the percentages of patients with pT2 disease or lower and pT3-pT4 disease were similar between groups (P > .05). Positive surgical margin rates were similar between the open (n = 1, 2.4%) and robotic (n = 2, 6.3%) groups (P > .05). Minor and major complication rates were similar between groups (P > .05). Mean estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the robotic group (412.5 ± 208.3 mL vs 1314.3 ± 987.1 mL, P < .001). Significantly higher percentages of patients were detected in the robotic group regarding bilateral neurovascular bundle-sparing surgery (93.7% vs 64.3%, P = .004) and bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection (100% vs 71.4%, P = .001). The mean lymph node yield was significantly higher in the robotic group (25.4 ± 9.7 vs 17.2 ± 13.5, P = .005). The number of postoperative readmissions for minor complications was significantly lower in the robotic group (0 vs 7, P = .017). Better trends were detected in the robotic group concerning daytime continence with no pad use (84.6% vs 75%, P > .05) and severe daytime incontinence (8.3% vs 16.6%, P > .05). No significant differences were detected regarding postoperative mean International Index of Erectile Function scores between groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery has the advantages of decreased blood loss, better preservation of neurovascular bundles, an increased lymph node yield, a decreased rate of hospital readmissions for minor complications, and a better trend for improved daytime continence when compared with the open approach.

Systematic review and cumulative analysis of oncologic and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

CONTEXT: Although open radical cystectomy (ORC) is still the standard approach, laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) are increasingly performed. OBJECTIVE: To report on a systematic literature review and cumulative analysis of pathologic, oncologic, and functional outcomes of RARC in comparison with ORC and LRC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched using a free-text protocol including the terms robot-assisted radical cystectomy or da Vinci radical cystectomy or robot* radical cystectomy. RARC case series and studies comparing RARC with either ORC or LRC were collected. A cumulative analysis was conducted. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The searches retrieved 105 papers, 87 of which reported on pathologic, oncologic, or functional outcomes. Most series were retrospective and had small case numbers, short follow-up, and potential patient selection bias. The lymph node yield during lymph node dissection was 19 (range: 3-55), with half of the series following an extended template (yield range: 11-55). The lymph node-positive rate was 22%. The performance of lymphadenectomy was correlated with surgeon and institutional volume. Cumulative analyses showed no significant difference in lymph node yield between RARC and ORC. Positive surgical margin (PSM) rates were 5.6% (1-1.5% in pT2 disease and 0-25% in pT3 and higher disease). PSM rates did not appear to decrease with sequential case numbers. Cumulative analyses showed no significant difference in rates of surgical margins between RARC and ORC or RARC and LRC. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy use ranged from 0% to 31%, with adjuvant chemotherapy used in 4-29% of patients. Only six series reported a mean follow-up of >36 mo. Three-year disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 67-76%, 68-83%, and 61-80%, respectively. The 5-yr DFS, CSS, and OS rates were 53-74%, 66-80%, and 39-66%, respectively. Similar to ORC, disease of higher pathologic stage or evidence of lymph node involvement was associated with worse survival. Very limited data were available with respect to functional outcomes. The 12-mo continence rates with continent diversion were 83-100% in men for daytime continence and 66-76% for nighttime continence. In one series, potency was recovered in 63% of patients who were evaluable at 12 mo. CONCLUSIONS: Oncologic and functional data from RARC remain immature, and longer-term prospective studies are needed. Cumulative analyses demonstrated that lymph node yields and PSM rates were similar between RARC and ORC. Conclusive long-term survival outcomes for RARC were limited, although oncologic outcomes up to 5 yr were similar to those reported for ORC. PATIENT SUMMARY: Although open radical cystectomy (RC) is still regarded as the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, laparoscopic and robot-assisted RCs are becoming more popular. Templates of lymph node dissection, lymph node yields, and positive surgical margin rates are acceptable with robot-assisted RC. Although definitive comparisons with open RC with respect to oncologic or functional outcomes are lacking, early results appear comparable.

Systematic review and cumulative analysis of perioperative outcomes and complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

CONTEXT: Although open radical cystectomy (ORC) is still the standard approach, laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) have gained popularity. OBJECTIVE: To report a systematic literature review and cumulative analysis of perioperative outcomes and complications of RARC in comparison with ORC and LRC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched using a free-text protocol including the terms robot-assisted radical cystectomy or da Vinci radical cystectomy or robot* radical cystectomy. RARC case series and studies comparing RARC with either ORC or LRC were collected. Cumulative analysis was conducted. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The searches retrieved 105 papers. According to the different diversion type, overall mean operative time ranged from 360 to 420 min. Similarly, mean blood loss ranged from 260 to 480 ml. Mean in-hospital stay was about 9 d for all diversion types, with consistently high readmission rates. In series reporting on RARC with either extracorporeal or intracorporeal conduit diversion, overall 90-d complication rates were 59% (high-grade complication: 15%). In series reporting RARC with intracorporeal continent diversion, the overall 30-d complication rate was 45.7% (high-grade complication: 28%). Reported mortality rates were ≤3% for all diversion types. Comparing RARC and ORC, cumulative analyses demonstrated shorter operative time for ORC, whereas blood loss and in-hospital stay were better with RARC (all p values <0.003). Moreover, 90-d complication rates of any-grade and 90-d grade 3 complication rates were lower for RARC (all p values <0.04), whereas high-grade complication and mortality rates were similar. CONCLUSIONS: RARC can be performed safely with acceptable perioperative outcome, although complications are common. Cumulative analyses demonstrated that operative time was shorter with ORC, whereas RARC may provide some advantages in terms of blood loss and transfusion rates and, more limitedly, for postoperative complication rates over ORC and LRC. PATIENT SUMMARY: Although open radical cystectomy (RC) is still regarded as a standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, laparoscopic and robot-assisted RC are becoming more popular. Robotic RC can be safely performed with acceptably low risk of blood loss, transfusion, and intraoperative complications; however, as for open RC, the risk of postoperative complications is high, including a substantial risk of major complication and reoperation.

Simultaneous robot assisted laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy; genital tract and paravaginal nerve sparing radical cystectomy; superextended lymph node dissection and intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction for bladder cancer: Robotic hat-trick.

The case of a simultaneous robotic radical nephroureterectomy, genital tract and paravaginal nerve-sparing robotic radical cystectomy, super-extended pelvic lymph node dissection and intracorporeal Studer pouch construction on a 57-year old female patient with muscle invasive bladder and distal ureteral tumors, along with a hydroureteronephrotic nonfunctioning right kidney is presented. The entire surgery was completed through a total of 8 ports in 9.5 hours. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day-6 and a JJ-stent attached to the urinary catheter was removed altogether on postoperative day-21. This complex surgery can be done safely robotically with excellent oncological outcomes and no surgical and wound complications in the short term.

Analysis of intracorporeal compared with extracorporeal urinary diversion after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: results from the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) has the potential benefits of a smaller incision, reduced pain, decreased bowel exposure, and reduced risk of fluid imbalance. OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) and ICUD following robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We reviewed the database of the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium (IRCC) (18 international centers), with 935 patients who had undergone RARC and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) between 2003 and 2011. INTERVENTION: All patients within the IRCC underwent RARC and PLND as indicated. The urinary diversion was performed either intracorporeally or extracorporeally. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Demographic data, perioperative outcomes, and complications in patients undergoing ICUD or ECUD were compared. All patients had at least a 90-d follow-up. The Fisher exact test was used to summarize categorical variables and the Wilcoxon rank sum test or Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of 935 patients who had RARC and PLND, 167 patients underwent ICUD (ileal conduit: 106; neobladder: 61), and 768 patients had an ECUD (ileal conduit: 570; neobladder: 198). Postoperative complications data were available for 817 patients, with a minimum follow-up of 90 d. There was no difference in age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, or rate of prior abdominal surgery between the groups. The operative time was equivalent (414 min), with the median hospital stay being marginally longer for the ICUD group (9 d vs 8 d, p=0.086). No difference in the reoperation rates at 30 d was noted between the groups. The 90-d complication rate was not significant between the two groups, but a trend favoring ICUD over ECUD was noted (41% vs 49%, p=0.05). Gastrointestinal complications were significantly lower in the ICUD group (p ≤ 0.001). Patients with ICUD were at a lower risk of experiencing a postoperative complication at 90 d (32%) (odds ratio: 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.94; p=0.02). Being a retrospective study was the main limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted ICUD can be accomplished safely, with comparable outcomes to open urinary diversion. In this cohort, patients undergoing ICUD had a relatively lower risk of complications.

Technical steps of open radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder to achieve the goals of "minimally invasive surgery"?

Technical modifications in open approach to radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder (ONB), that is, Pfannenstiel incision, single urethral catheter, internal splint, and extraperitonealization of the ONB were done in 36 patients. Median operative time was 300 (240-360) min. Median time to move the bowel and start of oral intake was 4 days (2-8) days. Major complications occurred in 3 (8.33%) patients. Mean postoperative pain score was 2 (1-4). These modifications in open radical cystectomy resulted in better cosmesis, less pain, and more comfort to the patients as they had to carry one urobag for 3 weeks.