Reoperations following Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Decade of Experience

There is a paucity of data regarding the operative management of complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy. We reviewed operative management of robot-assisted radical cystectomy specific complications during our 10-year experience with this procedure and assessed the feasibility, safety and outcomes of robot-assisted reoperations.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent surgical interventions for robot-assisted radical cystectomy specific complications between 2005 and 2015. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fit to evaluate predictors of surgical intervention after robot-assisted radical cystectomy. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to describe time to surgical interventions.

A total of 92 patients (23%) underwent surgical intervention after robot-assisted radical cystectomy. Mean followup was 27 months. Average time to any surgical intervention after cystectomy was 14 months. The reoperation rate was 5%, 2% and 16% at 30, 31 to 90 and greater than 90 days, respectively. Using the Kaplan-Meier method surgical interventions occurred at a rate of 30% at 2 years and 46% at 5 years. Interventions for ureteroileal complications were the most common (48 cases) followed by interventions for bowel obstruction, fistulas and abdominal wall related complications (11 cases). Clavien 3 or greater complications and neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with surgical intervention.

Even in experienced hands the long-term complications of robot-assisted radical cystectomy are notable. Of our patients 23% required surgical interventions after the procedure. Our initial experience with robot-assisted management of robot-assisted radical cystectomy complications appears safe and feasible, although the decision to proceed is determined primarily by surgeon experience.