Outcomes Of Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy Research Articles

VJY33 Surgical technique, perioperative and postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with HugoTM RAS robotic platform: First case series by the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section Scientific Working Group

VJY33 Surgical technique, perioperative and postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with HugoTM RAS robotic platform: First case series by the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section Scientific Working Group

Analysis of early perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and colonic diversion.

Studies of right colon pouch urinary diversion have widely varying estimates of the risk of perioperative complications, reoperation, and readmission. We sought to describe the association between specific risk factors and complication, readmission, and reoperation rates following right colon pouch urinary diversion. Patients undergoing robot-assisted right colon pouch urinary diversion from July 2013 to December 2022 were analyzed. Outcome measures include high-grade (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3) complications within 90days, readmission within 90days, and reoperation at any time during follow-up. Specific risk factors such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and prior radiation were analyzed to establish an association with these outcomes. During the study period, 77 patients underwent the procedure and were eligible to study. The average follow-up was 88.7 (SD 14) months. 90-day high-grade complications were 24.67%, and 90-day readmission was 33.76%. The cumulative rate of any reoperation was 40.2%, and major reoperation was 24.67%. Female gender (OR 3.3, p = 0.015), 1kg/m2 increase in BMI (OR 3.77, p = 0.014), diabetes (OR 3.49, p = 0.021), higher CCI (OR 1.59, p = 0.034), prior radiation (OR 1.97, p = 0.026), lower eGFR (OR 0.99, p = 0.032) and BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 (OR 3.9, p value 0.02) was associated with Clavien III-IV complications. Female gender (OR 3.3, p = 0.015), diabetes (OR 3.97, p = 0.029), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 1.73, p = 0.031), prior radiation (OR 1.45, p = 0.029), lower eGFR (OR 0.87, p = 0.037) and BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 (OR 3.86, p = 0.031) were predictive of reoperation. Overall, the rate of postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperation was high but consistent with other studies. This study helps further characterize surgical outcomes after right colon pouch urinary diversion and highlights patients who may benefit from enhanced preoperative managementfor minimising complications.

Peri- and post-operative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy after the implementation of the EAU guidelines recommendations for collecting and reporting complications at a high-volume referral center.

No studies relied on a standardized methodology to collect postoperative complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). The aim of our study was to evaluate peri- and post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing RARC adhering to the European Association of Urology (EAU) recommendations for reporting surgical outcomes and using a long postoperative follow-up. 246 patients who underwent RARC with intracorporal urinary diversion at a single tertiary referral center with a postoperative follow-up ≥ 1year for survivors. Postoperative outcomes were collected prospectively by interviews done by medical doctors. Complications were scored using the Clavien-Dindo classification (CD), grouped by type and severity (severe: CD score ≥ 3). We described peri- and post-operative outcomes and complication chronological distribution. Overall, 16 (6.5%) and 225 patients (91%) experienced intraoperative and postoperative complications, respectively. Moreover, 139 (57%) experienced severe complications. The most common any-grade and severe complications were infectious (72%) and genitourinary (35%), respectively. Overall, 52% of complications (358/682) occurred within 10days from surgery, and 51% of severe complications (106/207) occurred within 35days. However, 13% of complications (90/682) and 28% of severe complications (59/207) occurred 3months after surgery. The earliest complications were fever of unknown origins and paralytic ileus (median time-to-complication [mTTC]: 4days), the latest complications were urinary tract infection (mTTC: 40days) and hydronephrosis/ureteral obstruction (mTTC: 70days). The rate of postoperative complications after RARC is > 90% when a standardized collection method and a long follow-up is implemented. These results should be used to identify potential areas of improvement and for preoperative patient counseling.

Comparative Outcomes of Open Radical Cystectomy vs. Robot-Assisted Approaches with Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Urinary Diversion: A Meta-Analysis and Network Meta-Analysis of Perioperative and Quality of Life Outcomes.

Background: To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs that compare outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intra- or extracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD or ECUD) and the standard open approach (oRC). Methods: A systematic review identified RCTs including patients aged >18 years with non-metastatic bladder cancer treated with RARC (ICUD or ECUD) vs. oRC and reporting peri- and post-operative outcomes and quality of life (QoL) assessment. Standard and network metanalyses were performed. Results: Data from 1024 patients included in eight RCTs were analyzed. The standard meta-analysis found that RARC had longer OT, lower EBL, and a lower transfusion rate compared to oRC (all p < 0.001). No significant differences in terms of LOS between the ICUD vs. ECUD vs. ORC were recorded. RARC patients demonstrated better scores in fatigue, insomnia, pain, physical functioning, and role functioning-according to QoL assessment-compared to ORC at early follow-up, despite no difference at baselines. Finally, at network metanalysis, ICUD (OR = 0.74, p < 0.001) but not ECUD (OR = 0.92, p < 0.08) yielded a lower rate of high-grade 90-day complications compared to ORC despite longer OT (MD = 89.56, p = 0.0351). Conclusions: RARC represents a safe and feasible option to reduce perioperative bleeding with no definitive impact on LOS compared to ORC. Interestingly, ICUD may reduce the burden of 90-day complications to a greater extent than ECUD. Nonetheless, surgeons should be aware of the extended OT and steep learning curve of ICUD. Finally, RARC may provide some short-term benefits in terms of QoL, but more research is needed to determine its long-term effects.

Comparisons of in-hospital fee and surgical outcomes between robot-assisted, laparoscopic, and open radical cystectomy: a Japanese nationwide study.

To evaluate in-hospital fees and surgical outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and open radical cystectomy (ORC) using a Japanese nationwide database. All data were obtained from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database between April 2020 and March 2022. Basic characteristics and perioperative indicators, including in-hospital fees, were compared among the RARC, LRC and ORC groups. Propensity score-matched comparisons were performed to assess the differences between RARC and ORC. During the study period, 2931, 1311 and 2435 cases of RARC, LRC and ORC were identified, respectively. The RARC group had the lowest in-hospital fee (median: 2.38 million yen), the shortest hospital stay (26days) and the lowest blood transfusion rate (29.5%), as well as the lowest complication rate (20.9%), despite having the longest anesthesia time (569min) among the three groups (all P<0.01). The outcomes of LRC were comparable with those of RARC, and the differences in these indicators between the RARC and ORC groups were greater than those between the RARC and LRC groups. In propensity score-matched comparisons between the RARC and ORC groups, the differences in the indicators remained significant (all P<0.01), with an ~50 000 yen difference in in-hospital fees. RARC and LRC were considered to be more cost-effective surgeries than ORC due to their superior surgical outcomes and comparable surgical fees in Japan. The widespread adoption of RARC and LRC is expected to bring economic benefits to Japanese society.

A Proposal for Standardization of Early Outcomes Following Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy (RARC): RARC Tetrafecta.

Currently, there is no dedicated tool to record the early outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), and existing criteria for longer-term outcomes require a minimum of 3 months for assessment. However, early evaluation is essential to prevent future morbidity and mortality, especially in surgeries with a high risk of complications in the short term. We propose a comprehensive approach to report early RARC outcomes and investigate the influence of surgeon experience on these results. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients who underwent RARC for bladder cancer between April 2009 and April 2020. The cohort was divided chronologically into three groups: patients 1-60 in group 1, 61-120 in group 2, and 121-192 in group 3. Patients with yields of ≥ 16 lymph nodes (LN), negative soft tissue surgical margins, absence of transfusion, and absence of major complications at 30 days were regarded as attaining the RARC tetrafecta. Of the 192 included patients, 93 (48.4%) achieved RARC tetrafecta, with the proportion increasing with surgical experience from 41.7% in group 1 to 55.6% in group 3. Age [odds ratio (OR) 0.947; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.924-0.970; P = 0.021], LN yield (OR 1.432; 95% CI 1.139-1.867; P = 0.001), and greater surgical experience with RARC (> 120 patients; OR 2.740; 95% CI 1.231-6.100; P = 0.014) were significantly associated with the achievement of RARC tetrafecta. RARC tetrafecta could be a comprehensive method for reporting early outcomes in patients undergoing RARC, with improvements aligned with the surgeon's experience.

Assessing Trifecta and Pentafecta Success Rates between Robot-Assisted vs. Open Radical Cystectomy: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC) using trifecta and pentafecta parameters. The clinical data of 41 patients who underwent RARC between 2018 and 2022 were prospectively collected and retrospectively compared to those of 330 patients undergoing ORC using 1:1 propensity score matching. Trifecta was defined as simultaneous negative surgical margins (SMs), a lymph node (LN) yield ≥ 16, and the absence of major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III-V) within 90 days postoperatively. Pentafecta additionally included a 12-month recurrence-free rate and a time between the transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT) and radical cystectomy (RC) ≤ 3 months. The continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-squared test. No statistically significant differences in trifecta and pentafecta success rates were observed between the RARC and ORC cohorts after propensity score matching. However, the RARC group exhibited significantly reduced blood loss (RARC: 317 mL vs. ORC: 525 mL, p = 0.01). RARC offers distinct advantages over ORC in terms of reduced blood loss, while trifecta and pentafecta success rates do not differ significantly between the two surgical approaches.

Surgical outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy in octogenarian or older patients: A Japanese nationwide study.

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in octogenarian or older patients based on a Japanese nationwide database. The diagnosis procedure combination database was used to extract the data on radical cystectomy cases. Surgical outcomes of RARC in octogenarian or older patients (older group) were initially compared to those of patients younger than 80 years (younger group). Then, the surgical outcomes of RARC in the older group were compared to those of open radical cystectomy (ORC) and laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) in the same age group. Between 2018 and 2021, 478 RARC cases in the older group and 2257 RARC cases in the younger group were identified. In the older group, ileal conduit, neobladder, and other urinary diversions were carried out in 352 (73.6%), 22 (4.6%), and 104 (21.8%) patients, respectively. In the older group, when compared with the younger group, the complication rate (24.9%), blood transfusion rate (41.4%), and in-hospital mortality (1.4%) were equivalent, while significantly shorter anesthesia time and longer length of stay were observed in the older group (521.0 ± 140.4 min vs. 595.1 ± 141.71 min, p < 0.01, and 32.9 ± 16.8 days vs. 30.6 ± 17.8 days, p = 0.01, respectively). In the comparison of the surgical outcomes of older patients receiving RARC to those receiving ORC (n = 746) and LRC (n = 375), the RARC group had the lowest complication rate and the shortest length of stay, while the shortest anesthesia time was noted in the ORC group. The feasibility of RARC for octogenarian or older patients was demonstrated by the nationwide database study.

Comment on: "Do perioperative blood transfusions impact oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion? Results from a large multi-institutional registry".

Comment on: "Do perioperative blood transfusions impact oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion? Results from a large multi-institutional registry".

Ileal Conduit Versus Orthotopic Neobladder Urinary Diversion in Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy: Results from a Multi-institutional Series

BackgroundHead-to-head comparisons between ileal conduit (IC) and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) in terms of peri- and postoperative outcomes and complications, in the specific setting of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), are not available. ObjectiveTo address the impact of the type of urinary diversion (UD, IC vs ONB) on RARC morbidity, as well as operative time (OT), length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. Design, setting, and participantsUrothelial bladder cancer patients treated with RARC at nine high-volume European institutions between 2008 and 2020 were identified. InterventionRARC with either IC or ONB. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisIntra- and postoperative complications were collected and reported according to the Intraoperative Complications Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards recommendations and European Association of Urology guidelines, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models tested the impact of UD on outcomes, after adjustment for clustering at single hospital level. Results and limitationsOverall, 555 nonmetastatic RARC patients were identified. In 280 (51%) and 275 (49%) patients, an IC and an ONB were performed, respectively. Eighteen intraoperative complications were recorded. The rates of intraoperative complications were 4% in IC patients and 3% in ONB patients (p = 0.4). The median LOS and readmission rates were 10 versus 12 d (p < 0.001) and 20% versus 21% (p = 0.8) in IC versus ONB patients, respectively. At a multivariable logistic regression analyses, the type of UD (IC vs ONB) reached the independent predictor status for prolonged OT (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, p = 0.03) and prolonged LOS (OR: 0.34, p < 0.001), but not for readmission (OR: 0.92, p = 0.7). Overall, 513 postoperative complications were experienced by 324 patients (58%). At least one postoperative complication was experienced by 160 (57%) IC patients versus 164 (60%) ONB patients (p = 0.6). The type of UD reached the status of an independent predictor of UD-related complications (OR: 0.64, p = 0.03). ConclusionsCompared with RARC with ONB, RARC with IC is less prone to UD-related postoperative complications, prolonged OT, and prolonged LOS. Patient summaryTo date, the impact of the type of urinary diversion, namely, ileal conduit versus orthotopic neobladder, on peri- and postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy is unknown. Based on a rigorous data accrual, which relied on established complication reporting systems (Intraoperative Complications Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards and European Association of Urology recommended systems), we reported intra- and postoperative complications according to urinary diversion type. Moreover, we found that ileal conduit was associated with lower operative time and length of stay, and yielded a protective effect in terms of urinary diversion–related complications.

Trends of radical cystectomy and comparisons of surgical outcomes among surgical approaches focusing on robot-assisted radical cystectomy: A Japanese nationwide database study.

To clarify the trends in radical cystectomy and to compare surgical outcomes among surgical approaches focusing on robot-assisted radical cystectomy based on a Japanese nationwide database. The Diagnosis Procedure Combination database was used to extract data on radical cystectomy cases. Trends in open radical cystectomy, laparoscopic radical cystectomy, minimum incision endoscopic radical cystectomy, and robot-assisted radical cystectomy between April 2012 and March 2021 were evaluated. Basic characteristics and peri-operative indicators were compared among the four groups. Propensity score matching was applied to assess the differences between open radical cystectomy and robot-assisted radical cystectomy. During the study period, a decreasing number of open radical cystectomies and an increasing number of minimally invasive radical cystectomies were shown in the total cohort of 28 345 cases. The number of robot-assisted radical cystectomies rapidly increased after government approval in 2018. Minimally invasive radical cystectomies, including robot-assisted radical cystectomies, had a significantly lower complication rate, a shorter length of stay, and a lower blood transfusion rate, but a longer anesthesia time than open radical cystectomies. In the propensity score matching analysis comparing the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and open radical cystectomy, similar results were demonstrated, and blood transfusion rates were equivalent. For the past decade, the number of minimally invasive radical cystectomies has steadily increased without compromised surgical outcomes, except for anesthesia time. Robot-assisted radical cystectomies in particular rapidly became widespread in Japan after government approval in 2018 and became a standard surgery within the first 3 years.

PE52 - Perioperative and functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with totally intracorporeal orthotopic Y ileal neobladder: Results from a high-volume institution

PE52 - Perioperative and functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with totally intracorporeal orthotopic Y ileal neobladder: Results from a high-volume institution

PE48 - Long-term oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Update series from an high-volume robotic center beyond 10 years of follow-up

PE48 - Long-term oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Update series from an high-volume robotic center beyond 10 years of follow-up

Urodynamic assessment and quality of life outcomes of robot-assisted totally intracorporeal radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer: a preliminary study.

Few data exist regarding the functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the urodynamic and functional outcomes in patients undergoing RARC and totally intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer. In this monocentric, observational study carried out between 2016 and 2020, consecutive patients undergoing RARC and intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder in the Department of Urology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, were included. Reconstruction was totally intracorporeal Y-shaped neobladder. Main outcomes were urodynamic findings 6months post-surgery, continence and quality of life (QoL). Continence was defined by no pad or one safety pad. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ), International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5) and Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) scores were recorded. Fourteen male patients were included (median age: 64years [IQR 54-67]. Median maximal neobladder cystometric capacity was 495ml [IQR 410-606] and median compliance was 35.5ml/cm H2O [IQR 28-62]. All patients had post-void residual volume < 30ml, except for three (22%) who required clean intermittent-self catheterisation. Daytime continence was achieved in 10 patients (71%) and night-time continence in two (14.3%). Median ICIQ score was 7 [IQR 5-11]. Postoperative erectile function was present in 7% of patients (mean IIEF-5 = 5 [IQR 2-7]). Thirteen patients (93%) were satisfied with their choice of neobladder. RARC with totally intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer provides satisfactory urodynamic results and good QoL. These findings should be confirmed long-term.

Predicting perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Data from the Asian Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy Consortium.

To report the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and elucidate their risk factors. A review of the Asian Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy Consortium database from 2007 to 2020 was performed. The perioperative outcomes studied included complication rates, time to solid food intake, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and 30-day readmission rates. Of 568 patients, the overall complication rate was 49.2%, comprising major complications in 15.6%. Preoperative hydronephrosis was associated with an increased risk of major complications (odds ratio 3.27, 95% confidence interval 1.48-7.26, P = 0.004) while neoadjuvant chemotherapy was protective (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.25-0.84, P = 0.012). The median time to solid food intake was 4 days (interquartile range 3-7) and smoking was a risk factor (odds ratio 4.28, 95% confidence interval 2.36-7.79, P < 0.001) for prolonged time to solid food intake. Median length of hospital stay was 13 days (interquartile range 9-19), and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.08-2.56, P = 0.021), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio 2.21, 95% confidence interval 1.46-3.33, P < 0.001), and orthotopic bladder substitute creation (odds ratio 2.82, 95% confidence interval 1.90-4.18, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for prolonged length of hospital stay. The 30-day readmission rate was 23.4% and higher in those with bilateral hydronephrosis (odds ratio 4.58, 95% confidence interval 1.97-10.65, P < 0.001) and orthotopic bladder substitute creation (odds ratio 1.87, 95% confidence interval 1.16-3.02, P = 0.010). There are preoperative conditions which are significant risk factors for adverse perioperative outcomes in robot-assisted radical cystectomy. Most are potentially modifiable and can direct strategies to reduce surgical morbidity related to this major oncological procedure.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal neobladder: impact of learning curve and long-term assessment of functional outcomes.

There is paucity of data about functional outcomes of Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder (ICON), and the impact of learning curve (LC) on those outcomes remains to be addressed. The aim of this study was to report long-term functional outcomes of our single center series of RARC with ICON, assessing the role of LC in their achievement. Patients treated with Robot assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder in our center between January 2012 and August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative, clinical, perioperative, pathologic and functional data were reported. The first cases were divided in tertiles, for assessing the impact of learning curve on the outcomes evaluated. Long-term functional outcomes of the whole cohort were evaluated. Overall, 167 patients were included. Concerning tertiles analysis, operative time (P<0.001), incidence of low (P=0.002) and high grade (P=0.001) complications and hospital stay (P=0.04) decreased significantly over time. Day-time continence recovery probability was significantly lower in the initial case series (1-yr rate 68.4%, 87% and 89.8 for I, II and III tertile, respectively; P=0.04;). Accordingly, Trifecta achievement was significantly higher in II and III tertiles (P=0.01). At a median follow- up of 34 months, the incidence of significant renal function deterioration of the whole cohort was 16.7%. Overall, 12, 24 and 60-mo day-time continence rates were 74.8%, 82.7% and 82.7%. Patients treated at the beginning of the learning curve show worse perioperative and functional results. Once standardized the procedure, complications rates, hospital stay, and day-time continence recovery experienced a significant improvement. At a long-term analysis of functional outcomes of our patients, renal function preservation and continence recovery results are encouraging.

Assessment of Feasibility of Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy in Patients With Advanced Bladder Cancer Treated With Maintenance Hemodialysis Therapy.

To clarify the perioperative and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in advanced bladder cancer (BC) patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis (HD) therapy. We retrospectively evaluated patients receiving HD therapy who had undergone RARC or open radical cystectomy (ORC) for BC between April 1988 and December 2021 at two affiliated institutions. We compared the surgical outcomes and survival after radical cystectomy between patients treated with RARC and those treated with ORC. Thirty-six patients were evaluated, and eight (22%) and 28 (78%) received RARC and ORC, respectively. RARC was more frequently conducted than ORC in elderly patients (median: 75.5 vs. 68.2 years, p<0.05). Regarding postoperative surgical outcomes, the estimated blood loss volume (median: 75 ml vs. 627 ml, p<0.05) was significantly lower in the RARC group than that in the ORC group. A lower blood transfusion rate (25% vs. 67%, p=0.170) was observed. Moreover, there were no differences in operative time (median: 255 vs. 294 min, p=0.232) or complication rate (Clavien-Dindo grade, any grade: 50% vs. 46%, p=0.858; grade 3 or more: 13% vs. 14%, p=0.897). The 11-year overall survival rate did not differ between the two groups (88% vs. 74%, p=0.365). The perioperative outcomes of RARC in patients undergoing HD therapy were comparable to those of ORC. RARC is a potentially feasible surgical option even in patients with high comorbidities.

Evaluating the impact of the learning curve on the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion

IntroductionRobot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) is a technically difficult procedure. Our aim was to evaluate the potential impact of the learning curve (LC) on perioperative and pathological outcomes of RARC with ICUD. Material and methodsRetrospective study of 62 consecutive patients who underwent RARC with ICUD for bladder cancer between 2015−2020. We compared 3 consecutive groups of 20 (G1), 20 (G2), and 22 (G3) patients to analyze the impact of the LC. G1 cases were performed by a senior surgeon experienced in robotic surgery, while G2–G3 were performed by 2 junior surgeons without experience under the mentorship of the senior surgeon. ResultsThe 3 groups had similar clinical and pathological characteristics. A total of 15 patients (24%) received a neobladder and 47 (75%) an ileal conduit. The mean operative time decreased 60 min between G1–G3 (p = 0.001). No conversions to open approach or intraoperative complications were reported. There were no differences between groups regarding positive margin rates (p = 0.6) or the number of lymph nodes removed (p = 0.061). The postoperative complication rate was 77% and did not change during the LC (p = 0.49). Uretero-enteric stricture rate decreased from 25% in G1 to 9% in G3 (p = 0.217). ConclusionsThe inclusion of junior surgeons to a RARC with ICUD program after the initial 20 cases does not have an impact on the perioperative and pathological outcomes of the procedure. The operative time and the uretero-enteric stricture rate could be reduced during the LC.

A comparative study of perioperative and survival outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy in patients over 80 and under 80 years old

BackgroundRadical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for bladder cancer, but the safety and efficacy of this treatment for elderly people need to be considered. We compare perioperative data and survival outcomes between elderly (≥80 years) and younger (<80 years) patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).MethodsWe reviewed demographic, perioperative clinical and follow-up data of 190 consecutive patients with urothelial carcinoma of bladder who received RARC from May 2015 to December 2018 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The patients were divided into 2 groups by age: ≥80 years and <80 years. Perioperative outcomes were compared between 2 groups. Logistic regression method was used to analyze the factors that may affect preoperative complications. Cox regression model was employed to analyze the factors affecting 3-year overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS).ResultsOf the 190 patients, 44 (23.2%) were octogenarians. The elderly patients did not statistically differ from younger patients in most of the demographic, perioperative, and pathological information. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p=0.045) and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (p=0.035) could predict high-grade and any grade complications, respectively. Positive lymph node and pT≥3 were main factors affecting OS, RFS, and CSS. ASA score (p=0.048) and CCI (p=0.003) could predict OS and RFS, respectively. Elderly group had worse OS (p=0.007) and CSS (p=0.027) but similar RFS (p=0.147) compared with younger group.ConclusionThe elderly who received RARC had similar risk of perioperative complications and RFS compared with younger patients. RARC could be an alternative treatment for selected octogenarians.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal Mainz Ⅱ rectosigmoid pouch for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

To report the surgical techniques and results of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal Mainz Ⅱ rectosigmoid pouch at our centre. Two female patients were treated with this procedure. Construction of the pouch was divided into four main steps: incision of the rectum and sigmoid colon, closure of the posterior wall of the pouch, reimplantation of the ureters at the bottom of pouch in an anti-reflux manner, and closure of the anterior wall. Surgical results and perioperative complications were assessed. The operations were performed completely intracorporeally. No perioperative complications were observed. Postoperatively, high-grade invasive urothelial carcinoma was detected. On postoperative day 60, no bilateral ureteral dilation was detected. Two patients demonstrated total continence. Clinical recurrence was not observed during the follow-up period. With careful patient selection, robot-assisted intracorporeal Mainz Ⅱ rectosigmoid pouch might be a simple minimally invasive surgical technique to be evaluated in repeated applications.