Status of robot-assisted radical cystectomy.
OBJECTIVE
Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is an alternative approach for treatment of bladder cancer. We provide a critical review of the current status of RARC and pelvic lymph node dissection with a focus on feasibility, safety and oncological efficacy of the procedure.


METHODS
The PubMed literature database was reviewed for RARC series that have been reported in the English language until the present time. Surgical technique, operative parameters, pathologic outcome, complications and quality of life were examined.


RESULTS
RARC is progressing steadily. With nearly 500 published cases worldwide, RARC proves to be technically feasible and oncologically effective. It is associated with less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and improved postoperative quality of life. Intracorporeal urinary diversion is still in the experimental phase, and effort is needed to make it technically easier and widely accepted.


CONCLUSIONS
With the worldwide rapid spread of robot-assisted surgeries, RARC is evolving as a reliable minimally invasive alternative to standard open surgery. Awaiting long term oncological results, adequately powered prospective randomized trials comparing open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches are urgently needed.
Department of Urologic Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA.
Ahmed M
AM
Mansour
Susan J
SJ
Marshall
Eric D
ED
Arnone
Stefanie A
SA
Seixas-Mikelus
Abid
A
Hussain
Hassan
H
Abol-Enein
James O
JO
Peabody
Khurshid A
KA
Guru
D015653:Cystectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D010388:Pelvis; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012371:Robotics; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014547:Urinary Diversion