Robotic Radical Cystectomy, Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection, and Intracorporeal Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion

The robotic approach to radical cystectomy is compelling because of its oncologic equivalence to open radical cystectomy (ORC), its association with lower surgical blood loss, its potential association with shorter hospital stay after surgery. These factors suggest that the robotic approach to radical cystectomy may be an important component of enhanced recovery programs aimed at reducing surgical morbidity. This paper describes the importance of the cranial placement of robotic trocars, the use of Cadiere forceps for atraumatic bowel grasping, pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), and utero-enteric anastomoses. Also discussed are steps that are critical for the successful outcome of RARC. In spite of the increased operating times and associated costs and the costs of robotic surgical platforms and equipment, adoption of the robotic technique by bladder cancer surgeons has increased. This paper describes a systematic and reproducible method that details robotic extended pelvic lymph node dissection, cystectomy/cystoprostatectomy, and intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion.

Automated summary

The robotic approach to radical cystectomy offers advantages in terms of oncologic outcomes, surgical blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay, making it an important component of enhanced recovery programs. This paper discusses the critical steps and techniques of robotic surgery, as well as the increasing adoption of robotic techniques by bladder cancer surgeons.