Robotic-Assisted Radical Cystectomy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The application and use of robotics during radical cystectomy for the treatment of bladder cancer are still being defined. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted, with an emphasis on studies published within the previous 5 years. Areas of interest included patient selection, outcomes, cost, and comparisons of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy to open surgery. RESULTS: Although data are lacking in this field, using robotic assistance for radical cystectomy may lead to improvements in estimated blood loss, time to bowel activity, and reduced hospital stay; however, these improvements come at the cost of increased operative time and have a learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: The widespread adoption of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy has not gained acceptance due to lack of evidence and clinical trials showing superiority over open surgery.