Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion: initial experience

The use of robotic technology for laparoscopic prostatectomy is now well established. The same cannot yet be said of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC), which is performed in just a few centres worldwide.

We present our technique and experience of this procedure using the da Vinci surgical system.

From 2004 to 2007, 23 patients underwent RARC and urinary diversion at our institution.

We report the development of our technique for RARC, which involves posterior dissection, lateral pedicle control, anterior dissection, and lymphadenectomy prior to either ileal conduit urinary diversion or Studer pouch reconstruction performed extracorporeally.

Demographic and perioperative data were recorded prospectively. Oncologic and functional outcomes were assessed at 3- to 6-mo intervals.

To date, 23 patients have undergone this procedure at our institution. Of those, 19 had ileal loop urinary diversion and 4 were suitable for Studer pouch reconstruction. Mean total operative time plus or minus (+/-) standard deviation (SD) was 397+/-83.8min. Mean blood loss +/-SD was 278+/-229ml with one patient requiring a blood transfusion. Surgical margins were clear in all patients with a median +/-SD of 16+/-8.9 lymph nodes retrieved. The complication rate was 26%. At a mean follow-up +/-SD of 17+/-13 (range 4-40) mo, one patient had died of metastatic disease and one other is alive with metastases. The remaining 21 patients are alive without recurrence.

RARC remains a procedure in evolution in the small number of centres carrying out this type of surgery. Our initial experience confirms that it is feasible with acceptable morbidity and good short-term oncologic results.