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Updated: Oct 20, 2025
Robotic Taj Mahal Hepatectomy for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Published on: July 14, 2022
Update on robotic cystectomy
Ralph Grauer1, N Peter Wiklund
1Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
This article aims to discuss recently published (2019-2021) studies on robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with attention to evidence comparing intracorporeal (ICUD) and extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) in terms of intraoperative and perioperative metrics.
Recent Findings:
RARC produces equivalent oncological outcomes compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC). The benefits of RARC are most pronounced perioperatively. ICUD has been increasingly used at centers of excellence as it reduces intestinal exposure, which may incrementally minimize morbidity compared to ECUD or ORC. As the learning curve for ICUD diversion has flattened, retrospective analyses have emerged that suggest this technique may hold benefit over both ORC and RARC with ECUD, though current data is conflicting, and a randomized controlled study is forthcoming.
Summary:
ORC is the current 'gold standard' management for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Based on the premise of the minimization of perioperative morbidity, the development of RARC, most recently with ICUD, seeks to improve patient outcomes. Despite a protracted learning curve, many expert bladder cancer centers have adopted an intracorporeal approach. As more centers adopt, refine, and climb the learning curve for ICUD, a clearer insight of its effect on morbidity will be revealed-informing further adoption of the technique.
