Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy: current technique and outcomes

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy continues to evolve as a surgical option in the management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Current oncologic outcomes appear comparable in the short-term with open radical cystectomy. Long-term follow-up, however, remains lacking for this emerging technique. Modern robotic technology allows a comparable extent of pelvic lymph node dissection as open surgery, a previous criticism of the procedure. Complications compare very favorably to open surgery in comparative series, and blood loss and transfusion rates are routinely lower. Length of stay has been shortened in some series, though not uniformly. Finally, robotic assistance can increase the cost of radical cystectomy.