[Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy]

Recent reports have demonstrated that robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy is technically feasible. However, wide-spread acceptance of this promising technique is limited due to long operating times and lacking long-term data especially on oncological outcome. After establishing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (n=250) we report technical and functional results of a large series of patients undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy with the da Vinci surgical system (DVSS).27 patients (24 males) underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with the DVSS (Intuitive Surgical) between Jan 2004 and Dec 2006. Indications for cystectomy were muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) or leiomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder (n=24) and bladder shrinking following prior radiotherapy for TCC (n=3). A pelvic lymphadenectomy was routine part of the procedure. Urinary diversions were ilieal conduits (n=19) and ileal neobladders (n=8). Mean operating time was 340 minutes (range 150-450) with a mean blood loss of 301 mL (range 50-550). The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved during lymphadenectomy was 23. Surgical margins were negative except in one case. After a mean follow-up of 10.2 months, 2 perioperative (anastomotic leakage, adhesions) and 3 postoperative complications (ileus, intestinal fistula) occurred. 6/7 patients reported satisfying erectile function following nerve-sparing surgery. Day-time continence was completely restored after a mean 3.5 months in 7/8 patients.Robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy is a safe procedure. Satisfying functional and oncological short-term results can be achieved within acceptable operating time limits.