Minimally Invasive Robotic-Assisted Cystolithotomy in a Complicated Urinary Diversion: A Feasible and Safe Approach

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Radical cystectomy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy is standard for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
• Urinary diversions, including neobladders, have a higher risk of urolithiasis.
• Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly preferred over traditional open surgery for stone removal.

Observation:

• A case study details a robotic-assisted cystolithotomy in a 54-year-old female patient with a neobladder.
• This procedure involved removing a stone from an orthotopic neobladder.

Findings:

• This represents the first reported instance of robotic-assisted stone removal from an orthotopic neobladder.
• The robotic approach demonstrated advantages, particularly for managing larger calculi.

Implications:

• Robotic-assisted cystolithotomy may be a viable, minimally invasive option for treating urolithiasis in neobladders.
• Further research is warranted to establish the efficacy and long-term success of this robotic approach in bladder cancer survivors.