Differences in trends in the use of robot-assisted and open radical cystectomy and changes over time in peri-operative outcomes among selected centres in North America and Europe: an international multicentre collaboration

Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy with Totally Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion Versus Open Radical Cystectomy: 3-Year Outcomes from a Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing open radical cystectomy (ORC) and robot-assisted RC (RARC) have involved an extracorporeal approach for urinary diversion (UD), undermining the potential benefits of a totally robotic procedure. Our objective was to compare 3-yr outcomes from a RCT comparing ORC to RARC with totally intracorporeal UD (iUD).

METHODS

Patients with cT2-4 N0 M0 or bacillus Calmette-Guérin-failed high-grade non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma who were candidates for RC without absolute contraindications to robotic surgery were included. A covariate adaptive randomisation process based on body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, preoperative haemoglobin, type of UD, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and cT stage was used. The primary endpoint was to investigate the superiority of RARC with iUD in terms of a 50% reduction in transfusion rate. Secondary outcomes included adherence to an early recovery after surgery protocol, perioperative and postoperative outcomes, readmission and complication rates, a cost analysis, and functional, oncological, and health-related quality-of-life outcomes.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 116 patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was confirmed, as the overall perioperative transfusion rate was significantly lower in the RARC cohort, with an absolute risk reduction of 19% (95% confidence interval 2-36%; p = 0.046). No differences in perioperative and postoperative complications and 3-yr oncological outcomes were observed between the groups. Despite the superiority of ORC on quantitative analysis of night-time pad use, there were no differences in the probabilities of recovery of daytime and night-time continence. Body image was significantly better in the RARC cohort. Cost analysis confirmed that RARC is a more expensive surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Our findings support RARC with iUD as a safe surgical option; the transfusion rate was reduced by 50% and the complication rates and 3-yr oncological outcomes were comparable to those with ORC. The minimally invasive nature of RARC was reflected in better body image perception in this cohort. The probabilities of daytime and night-time continence recovery were comparable between the groups. Higher costs remain a drawback of robotic surgery.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This RCT demonstrated a 50% transfusions rate's reduction compared to ORC. We confirmed safety and feasibility of RARC with i-UD providing comparable peri- and postoperative complication rates, as well as, 3yr oncologic outcomes to those of ORC. Patients receiving either RARC-iUD or ORC had comparable probabilities of urinary continence recovery after surgery.

Thromboembolic Events After Robotic Radical Cystectomy: A Comparative Analysis of Extended and Limited Prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

To compare limited (only inpatient) venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) to limited plus extended prophylaxis. There is little consensus on postoperative VTE prophylaxis regimens after RARC with data mostly extrapolated from other cancers.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all RARC patients at our center between 2014-2022, identifying two groups: patients after a prospectively implemented protocol (January 2018 to present) utilizing a prolonged 21-day postoperative course of either enoxaparin 40 mg daily or apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily after discharge, or patients prior to January 2018 receiving only limited VTE prophylaxis during their immediate postoperative inpatient stay.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

incidence of symptomatic VTE confirmed with imaging within 90-days postoperatively.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

major hemorrhage, complications, readmission, and mortality within 30-days postoperatively. Descriptive statistics depicted baseline patient characteristics, operative information, and complications. Differences were compared between groups. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between variables and primary outcome.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients received limited prophylaxis and 364 received extended prophylaxis. Twelve (2.7%) patients experienced VTE within 90-day postoperatively: (10 [2.7%] extended vs 2 [2.3%] limited, P = .9). Upon stratification into EAU "low-risk" or "high +intermediate-risk" groups, no statistically significant difference in VTE rates was seen between the extended or limited groups. When controlling for prophylaxis regimen, intracorporeal approach was found to be predictive of a lower with a lower risk of VTE (P = .019).

CONCLUSION

Limited and extended prophylaxis showed no significant differences in VTE rates among RARC patients. Further studies are necessary for RARC patients to improve guidelines.

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.

Perioperative and Complication Related Outcomes for Robotic-Assisted vs Open Radical Cystectomy: A Comparative National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Analysis

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) is standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but it comes with significant perioperative risk, with half of the patients experiencing major postoperative complications. Robot-assisted radical cystectomies (RARCs) have aimed to decrease patient morbidity and been increasingly adopted in North America. Currently, both open radical cystectomies (ORCs) and RARCs are frequently performed. The aim of this study is to contribute to the existing literature using newly available data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP), representing one of the most recent, largest multi-institutional studies, while uniquely accounting for a variety of factors, including type of urinary diversion, cancer staging, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: RC procedures performed between 2019 and 2021 were identified in NSQIP and the corresponding cystectomy-targeted database. Cases in the ORC group were planned open procedures, and cases in the RARC group were robot assisted, including unplanned conversion to open cases for intention to treat. Chi-square and t-tests were performed to compare baseline demographics and operative parameters. Multivariate analysis was performed for outcomes, including major complications, minor complications, and 30-day mortality rates, while adjusting for baseline differences significant on univariate analysis. Results: Five thousand three hundred forty-three RC cases were identified. Of these, 70% underwent planned ORC, while 30% received RARC. RARC was associated with longer operative times and shorter hospital length of stay compared with ORC. On multivariate analysis, there was no difference between the cohorts in 30-day rates of major complications, hospital readmissions, need for reoperation, or mortality. ORC was, however, associated with higher rates of minor complications, bleeding, superficial surgical site infections, and anastomotic leak. Conclusions: In the NSQIP database, ORC is associated with higher rates of 30-day minor complications, most notably bleeding, compared with RARC. However, there is no difference in regard to perioperative major morbidity or mortality rates. This study is unique in the size of the cohorts compared, timeliness of data (2019-2021), applicability to a variety of different practice settings across the country, and ability to control for factors, such as type of urinary diversion and pathological bladder cancer staging, as well as use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) specific to Thomas Jefferson University.

Chronic kidney disease and Charlson comorbidity index predict complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: A single-center study in Japan

OBJECTIVES

To investigate preoperative patient factors that may predict the occurrence of perioperative complications following robot-assisted radical cystectomy at a single center in Japan.

METHODS

From 2013 to 2022, 103 patients underwent RARC at our institution. Complications within 90 days after surgery were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between cohorts with and without complications ≥grade 3. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with perioperative complications.

RESULTS

Overall, 27% of patients (27/103) experienced grade 3 or higher complications. The cohort that developed complications ≥grade 3 exhibited significantly higher Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.046) and significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.048). Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 (p = 0.037) and estimated glomerular filtration rate <53 (p = 0.008) were independent predictors for the occurrence of complications ≥grade 3. The incidence of complications ≥grade 3 was 61.5% in the group possessing both factors, which was significantly higher than those in the groups possessing neither factor nor only one of the two factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the Charlson comorbidity index and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate may be predictors of perioperative complications. It is important to evaluate the patient's preoperative characteristics and choose the surgical procedure accordingly.

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

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in octogenarian or older patients based on a Japanese nationwide database.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility of RARC for octogenarian or older patients was demonstrated by the nationwide database study.

Infections After Adoption of Antibiogram-directed Prophylaxis and Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion for Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has significantly decreased the morbidity associated with radical cystectomy. However, infectious complications including sepsis, urinary tract (UTIs), wound (WIs), and intra-abdominal (AIs) infections remain common.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) and antibiogram-directed antimicrobial prophylaxis would decrease infections after robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing RARC between 2014 and 2022 at a tertiary care institution, identifying two groups based on adherence to a prospectively implemented modified ERAS protocol for RARC: modified-ERAS-ICUD and antibiogram-directed ampicillin-sulbactam, gentamicin, and fluconazole prophylaxis were utilized (from January 2019 to present time), and unmodified-ERAS-extracorporeal urinary diversion (UD) and guideline-recommended cephalosporin-based prophylaxis regimen were utilized (from November 2014 to June 2018). Patients receiving other prophylaxis regimens were excluded.

INTERVENTION

ICUD and antibiogram-directed infectious prophylaxis.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary outcome was UTIs within 30 and 90 d postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were WIs, AIs, and sepsis within 30 and 90 d postoperatively, and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) within 90 d postoperatively.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 396 patients were studied (modified-ERAS: 258 [65.2%], unmodified-ERAS: 138 [34.8%]). UD via a neobladder was more common in the modified-ERAS cohort; all other intercohort demographic differences were not statistically different. Comparing cohorts, modified-ERAS had significantly reduced rates of 30-d (7.8% vs 15.9%, p = 0.027) and 90-d UTIs (11.2% vs 25.4%, p = 0.001), and 30-d WIs (1.2% vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001); neither group had a WI after 30 d. Rates of AIs, sepsis, and CDI did not differ between groups. On multivariate regression, the modified-ERAS protocol correlated with a reduced risk of UTIs and WIs (all p < 0.01). The primary limitation is the retrospective study design.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of ICUD and antibiogram-based prophylaxis correlates with significantly decreased UTIs and WIs after RARC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study of infections after robotic radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, we found that intracorporeal (performed entirely inside the body) urinary diversion and an institution-specific antibiogram-directed antibiotic prophylaxis regimen led to fewer urinary tract infections and wound infections at our institution.

Contemporary outcomes of patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy: A comparative analysis between intracorporeal ileal conduit and neobladder urinary diversions

Objective

We aimed to compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes for patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal ileal conduit (IC) and neobladder (NB) urinary diversion.

Methods

Patients undergoing RARC with intracorporeal urinary diversion between January 2017 and January 2022 at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA were indexed. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, perioperative, and oncologic outcomes were analyzed. Survival was estimated with Kaplan-Meier plots.

Results

Of 261 patients (206 [78.9%] male), 190 (72.8%) received IC while 71 (27.2%) received NB diversion. Median age was greater in the IC group (71 [interquartile range, IQR 65-78] years vs. 64 [IQR 59-67] years, p<0.001) and BMI was 26.6 (IQR 23.2-30.4) kg/m2. IC group was more likely to have prior abdominal or pelvic radiation (15.8% vs. 2.8%, p=0.014). American Association of Anesthesiologists scores were comparable between groups. The IC group had a higher proportion of patients with pathological tumor stage 2 (pT2) tumors (34 [17.9%] vs. 10 [14.1%], p=0.008) and pathological node stages pN2-N3 (28 [14.7%] vs. 3 [4.2%], p<0.001). The IC group had less median operative time (272 [IQR 246-306] min vs. 341 [IQR 303-378] min, p<0.001) and estimated blood loss (250 [150-500] mL vs. 325 [200-575] mL, p=0.002). Thirty- and 90-day complication rates were 44.4% and 50.2%, respectively, and comparable between groups. Clavien-Dindo grades 3-5 complications occurred in 27 (10.3%) and 34 (13.0%) patients within 30 and 90 days, respectively, with comparable rates between groups. Median follow-up was 324 (IQR 167-552) days, and comparable between groups. Kaplan-Meier estimate for overall survival at 24 months was 89% for the IC cohort and 93% for the NB cohort (hazard ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.05-2.42, p=0.02). Kaplan-Meier estimate for recurrence-free survival at 24 months was 74% for IC and 87% for NB (hazard ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 0.82-4.04, p=0.10).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing intracorporeal IC urinary diversion had higher postoperative cancer stage, increased nodal involvement, similar complications outcomes, decreased overall survival, and similar recurrence-free survival compared to patients undergoing RARC with intracorporeal NB urinary diversion.

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

Background

Head-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.

Objective

To 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 participants

Urothelial bladder cancer patients treated with RARC at nine high-volume European institutions between 2008 and 2020 were identified.

Intervention

RARC with either IC or ONB.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Intra- 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 limitations

Overall, 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).

Conclusions

Compared with RARC with ONB, RARC with IC is less prone to UD-related postoperative complications, prolonged OT, and prolonged LOS.

Patient summary

To 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.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Where we are in 2023

Open radical cystectomy (ORC) is associated with high rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality, owing to its extensive surgical nature and the high frequency of multiple co-morbidities among patients. As an alternative, robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has been increasingly adopted worldwide, being a reliable treatment option that utilizes minimally invasive surgery. Seventeen years have passed since the advent of the RARC, and comprehensive long-term follow-up data are now becoming available. The present review focuses on the current knowledge of RARC in 2023, and analyzes various aspects, including oncological outcomes, peri/post-operative complications, post-operative quality of life (QoL) change, and cost-effectiveness. Oncologically, RARC showed comparable oncological outcomes to ORC. With regard to complications, RARC was associated with lower estimated blood loss, lower intraoperative transfusion rates, shorter length of stay, lower risk of Clavien-Dindo grade III-V complications, and lower 90-day rehospitalization rates than ORC. In particular, RARC with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) performed by high-volume centers significantly reduced the risk of post-operative major complications. In terms of post-operative QoL, RARC with extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) showed comparable results to ORC, while RARC with ICUD was superior in some respects. As the RARC implementation rate increases and the learning curve is overcome, more prospective studies and randomized controlled trials with large-scale patients are expected to be conducted in the future. Accordingly, sub-group analysis in various groups such as ECUD, ICUD, continent and non-continent urinary diversion, etc. is considered to be possible.

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

OBJECTIVE

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.

Postoperative complications and hospital costs following open radical cystectomy: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate primarily the relationship between postoperative complications and hospital costs, and secondarily the relationship between postoperative complications and mortality, following radical cystectomy.

METHODS

Postoperative complications were retrospectively examined for 147 patients undergoing radical cystectomy at a university hospital between January 2012 and July 2021. Complications were defined and graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. In-hospital cost was calculated using an activity-based costing methodology. Regression modelling was used to investigate the relationships among a priori selected perioperative variables, complications, and costs. The effect of complications on postoperative mortality was ascertained using time-dependent coefficients in a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

135 (92%) patients experienced one or more postoperative complications. The medians of hospital cost for patients who experienced no complications and those who experienced complications were $42,796.3 (29,222.9-53,532.5) and $81,050.1 (49,614.8-122,533.6) respectively, p < 0.001. Hospital costs were strongly associated with complication severity: Clavien-Dindo grade II complications increased costs by 45.2% (p < 0.001, 95% CI 19.1%-76.6%), and Clavien-Dindo grade III to V complications increased costs by 107.5% (p < 0.001, 95% CI 52.4%-181.8%). Each additional count of complication and increase in Clavien-Dindo complication grade increased the risk of mortality 1.28-fold (RR = 1.28, p = 0.006, 95% CI 1.08-1.53) and 2.50-fold (RR = 2.50, p = 0.012 95% CI 1.23-5.07) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of complications following cystectomy and significant associated increases in hospital costs and mortality. Postoperative complications are a key target for cost-containment strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN:12622000057785.

Robot-assisted vs. open radical cystectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been launched in the last decade to examine the surgical safety and oncological efficacy of robot-assisted (RARC) vs open radical cystectomy (ORC) for patients with bladder cancer. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of RARC vs ORC.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted through July 2022 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The outcomes were intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological outcomes of RARC vs ORC.

RESULTS

A total of eight RCTs comprising 1,024 patients met our inclusion criteria. RARC was associated with longer operative time (mean 92.34 min, 95% CI 83.83-100.84, p < 0.001) and lower blood transfusion rate (Odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% CI 0.30-0.61, p < 0.001). No differences emerged in terms of 90-day overall (p = 0.28) and major (p = 0.57) complications, length of stay (p = 0.18), bowel recovery (p = 0.67), health-related quality of life (p = 0.86), disease recurrence (p = 0.77) and progression (p = 0.49) between the two approaches. The main limitation is represented by the low number of patients included in half of RCTs included.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports that RARC is not inferior to ORC in terms of surgical safety and oncological outcomes. The benefit of RARC in terms of lower blood transfusion rate need to be balanced with the cost related to the procedure.

The predictive value of prognostic nutritional index on early complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy

Objective

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on early complications (within 30-day) after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and urinary diversion.

Patients and methods

Patients underwent RARC and urinary diversion between November 2018 and December 2021 in our centre were screened in this retrospective study. Baseline characteristics and perioperative data were recorded. Early complications after surgery were classified according to Clavien-Dindo system. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were performed to decide the potential factors associated with post-RARC complications. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was conducted to determine the predictive value of PNI on early overall and major complications after RARC.

Results

Overall 139 men and 13 women with a median age of 69 years and mean BMI of 24.4 kg/m2 were included in this study. As for urinary diversion, most patients (n = 111, 73%) received cutaneous ureterostomy, 36 patients (23.7%) underwent orthotopic neobladder and 5 patients (3.3%) received ileal conduit. The incidence of postoperative complication rate was 44.7%, which included 82.2% minor complications and 17.8% major complications. Further univariate and multivariate logistic analyses demonstrated that hypertension (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.24–7.07, P = 0.015), PNI (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62–0.86, P &lt; 0.001), and CCI (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.01–2.06, P = 0.047) were independent risk factors of early complications after RARC. Moreover, PNI (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60–0.86, P &lt; 0.001) was also the predictor of major complications after RARC. The ROC curve demonstrated that PNI (AUC = 0.829; AUC = 0.840) has a great predictive value in early overall and major complications after RARC.

Conclusion

PNI can be an early alert for RARC patients thus aiding in closer monitoring and postoperative management.

The learning curve for robot-assisted radical cystectomy with total intracorporeal urinary diversion based on radical cystectomy pentafecta

Objective

To analyze the learning curve for robot- assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with total intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) in terms of both time efficiency and quality of surgery based on radical cystectomy (RC)-pentafecta.

Patients and methods

We identified 203 consecutive patients who underwent RARC with ICUD of the ileal conduit (IC, 85) and orthotopic neobladder (ONB, 118) performed by a single surgeon between 2011 and 2021. We grouped ten consecutive patients into time-associated blocks according to the operation order. Process efficiency and operation quality were measured based on the surgeon’s console time and attainment/score sum of RC-pentafecta. The overcoming point of the learning curve was defined graphically and statistically.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 44.5 ± 30.7 months. Of the 203 patients, 109 (53.7%) attained the five criteria of RC-pentafecta (ONB vs IC, 50.6% vs. 55.9%, p = 0.35). The attainment rate and sum of the RC-pentafecta score of the third group were not significantly different from those of all patients (40.0% vs. 53.7%, p = 0.369, 4.00 ± 1.05 vs. 4.41 ± 0.75, p = 0.137, respectively), and the proficiency in operation quality was satisfactory in the third group. The console times continually improved and stabilized after the 140^th case (IC, 60; ONB, 80), and the attainment rate and sum of the RC-pentafecta were significantly different between before and after the 140^th case (p<0.001).

Conclusion

A single surgeon’s learning curve for RARC with ICUD and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) showed an acceptable level of proficiency after 30 consecutive cases in terms of the operation quality. However, for an expert surgeon, 140 cases were required to reach a plateau in time efficiency and second leap with the RC-pentafecta. RARC with ICUD and PLND can be performed safely without compromising functional outcomes and complications through sharing and transmission of standardized techniques.

The impact of socio-economic deprivation on recovery following robotic assisted radical cystectomy

Background:

Despite enhanced recovery programmes, length of stay is variable following robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). The aim of this study was to assess the impact socioeconomic deprivation on recovery following RARC.

Methods:

The prospectively maintained RARC databases at two tertiary referral hospitals were reviewed from 2015 to 2017. Demographic, histological, and outcome data including length of stay (LOS), operation time and blood loss were recorded. The Index of Multiple Deprivation, was chosen as a deprivation index as this is used by the UK government to direct funding and resources to regions, towns and postal codes by assessing a number of indicators.

Results:

During the study period, 340 consecutive patients underwent RARC. Deprivation deciles were significantly higher in site 1 patients (7.9 in site 1 vs 6.6 in site 2, p < 0.001) implying that these patients are more likely to have higher incomes, levels of education and improved living environments. The mean operating time was longer in the site 1 cohort (397 vs 366 min, p > 0.001) with a reduced mean blood loss volume (252 and 484 mL, p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in mean LOS (6.2 days in site 1 vs 10.6 days in site 2, p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, a higher deprivation decile did not predict LOS (OR = 1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.1, p = 0.407). Sex and operation site were however significantly associated with LOS (p = 0.006 and <0.001).

Conclusion:

Recovery following RARC was independent of socioeconomic status when comparing two hospitals with diverse catchment areas in the UK.

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

OBJECTIVES

To report the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and elucidate their risk factors.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Association of Open vs Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy With Mortality and Perioperative Outcomes Among Patients With Bladder Cancer in Sweden

IMPORTANCE

Mortality rates resulting from bladder cancer have remained unchanged for more than 30 years. The surgical community has put hope in robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) in an effort to improve surgical outcomes and bladder cancer survival without strong supporting evidence.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate perioperative, safety, and survival outcome differences between RARC with ICUD and open radical cystectomy (ORC).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This nationwide population-based cohort study used data from the Swedish National Register of Urinary Bladder Cancer and population-based Cause of Death Register, which includes clinical information on tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival and covers approximately 97% of patients with urinary bladder cancer in Sweden. All patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in any hospital between January 2011 and December 2018 were included. Follow-up data were collected until December 2019. Data analysis was conducted from June to December 2020.

EXPOSURES

RARC or ORC.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcomes were all-cause and cancer-specific mortality between RARC and ORC, compared using propensity score matching. Secondary outcomes were differences in perioperative outcomes after the different surgical approaches.

RESULTS

Throughout the observation period, 889 patients underwent RARC and 2280 patients underwent ORC at 24 Swedish hospitals. The median (IQR) age was 71 (66-76) years and 2386 patients (75.3%) were men. After a median (IQR) follow-up of 47 (28-71) months, the 5-year cancer-specific mortality rates were 30.2% (variance, 1.59) for ORC and 27.6% (variance, 3.12) for RARC, and the overall survival rates were 57.7% (variance, 2.46) for ORC and 61.4% (variance, 5.11) for RARC. In the propensity score-matched analysis, RARC was associated with a lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.89; P = .004). Compared with ORC, RARC was associated with a lower estimated blood loss (median [IQR] 150 [100-300] mL vs 700 [400-1300] mL; P < .001), intraoperative transfusion rate (odds ratio [OR], 0.05; 95% CI, 0.03-0.08; P < .001), and shorter length of stay (median [IQR], 9 [6-13] days vs 13 [10-17] days; P < .001), and with a higher lymph node yield (median [IQR], 20 [15-27] lymph nodes vs 14 [8-24] lymph nodes; P < .001) and 90-day rehospitalization rate (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02-1.60; P = .03). The RARC group, compared with the ORC group had lower risk of Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher complications (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43-0.87; P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that compared with ORC, RARC with ICUD was associated with a lower overall mortality rate, fewer high-grade complications, and more favorable perioperative outcomes.

Robotic RPLND for stage IIA/B nonseminoma: the Princess Margaret Experience

PURPOSE

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a treatment option for men in a primary and post-chemotherapy setting. The aim of this review was to explore the published data looking at feasibility, safety and outcomes of robotic RPLND for CSI/II NSGCT but we will in particular highlight how we have approached adoption of robotic RPLND at the Princess Margaret.

METHODS

A review and summary of the published data to date was performed regarding the role of robotic RPLND for stage IIA/B nonseminoma.

RESULTS

Published series of robotic RPLND to date have proven feasibility and safety in experienced centres. Less blood loss, shorter length of stay and decreased morbidity are promising findings. Our data from Princess Margaret strengthen the argument of oncologic efficacy as we operated only on patients with known retroperitoneal disease (Stage at RPLND was IIA (n = 15, 55.6%), IIB (n = 9, 33.3%), IIC (n = 1, 3.7%) and III (n = 2, 7.4%)), did not use adjuvant chemotherapy and found a relapse rate (11%) similar to open RPLND.

CONCLUSIONS

The debate is ongoing regarding the role of robotic RPLND- the excellent oncological outcomes achieved by an open RPLND are the minimum starting point for robotic RPLND. Until such time that robotic RPLND is proven to be gold standard it should be performed in experienced centres by high volume RPLND surgeons and in the setting of a protocol.

Definition of a Structured Training Curriculum for Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Ileal Conduit in Male Patients: A Delphi Consensus Study Led by the ERUS Educational Board

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) continues to expand, and several surgeons start training for this complex procedure. This calls for the development of a structured training program, with the aim to improve patient safety during RARC learning curve. A modified Delphi consensus process was started to develop the curriculum structure. An online survey based on the available evidence was delivered to a panel of 28 experts in the field of RARC, selected according to surgical and research experience, and expertise in running training courses. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement between the responders. Overall, 96.4% experts completed the survey. The structure of the RARC curriculum was defined as follows: (1) theoretical training; (2) preclinical simulation-based training: 5-d simulation-based activity, using models with increasing complexity (ie, virtual reality, and dry- and wet-laboratory exercises), and nontechnical skills training session; (3) clinical training: modular console activity of at least 6 mo at the host center (a RARC case was divided into 11 steps and steps of similar complexity were grouped into five modules); and (4) final evaluation: blind review of a video-recorded RARC case. This structured training pathway will guide a starting surgeon from the first steps of RARC toward independent completion of a full procedure. Clinical implementation is urgently needed. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is a complex procedure. The first structured training program for RARC was developed with the goal of aiding surgeons to overcome the learning curve of this procedure, improving patients' safety at the same time.

Open vs robot-assisted radical cystectomy (BORARC): a double-blinded, randomised feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To examine surgical outcomes and feasibility of blinding patients and care providers to the surgical technique of radical cystectomy (RC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Single-centre, parallel-group, double-blinded, randomised feasibility study of open RC (ORC) vs robot-assisted RC with intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC) in an 'Enhanced Recovery After Surgery' setup. A total of 50 patients aged ≥18 years with bladder cancer planned for RC with an ileal conduit were included. Patients with previous major abdominal/pelvic surgery, pelvic radiation or anaesthesiological contraindications were excluded. Primary outcomes were proportion of unblinded patients and success of blinding using Bang's Blinding Index. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), complication rates, blood loss, pain, and opioid consumption.

RESULTS

A total of 26% of the patients were unblinded before discharge. We demonstrated that patients and doctors remained blinded for the allocated treatment, but nurses did not. Blood loss was greater in the ORC group as was operative time in the iRARC group. We found no difference in complication rate, LOS, or use of analgesics.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that blinding of surgical technique in RC is possible. The results of secondary outcomes are consistent with the findings of previous unblinded randomised controlled trials. Our study highlights that it is possible to perform a blinded phase III study to explore the optimal surgical technique in RC.

Single Incision Robotic Cystectomy and Hybrid Orthotopic Neobladder Reconstruction: A Step by Step Description

OBJECTIVE

To describe a new technique for single incision robotic cystectomy and Studer-type ileal neobladder using the single-port (SP) da Vinci SP robotic platform.

METHODS

In April 2021, a 71 year-old patient underwent a single incision robotic cystectomy and orthotopic Studer-type ileal neobladder using the single-port da Vinci SP robotic platform for cT2, cN0 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. He was not a candidate for neoadjuvant cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy and declined participation in a clinical trial.

RESULTS

Total operative time was 554 minutes and estimated blood loss was 250 cc. He was discharged on postoperative day six without developing any Clavien complications. He underwent adjuvant chemotherapy for node-positive disease and follow-up through June 2021 was notable for the absence of any significant complications or readmissions. We provide a comprehensive discussion of the required instrumentation, a description of the technique with illustrations, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technology as it pertains to cystectomy and urinary diversion.

CONCLUSION

We make no claim regarding the superiority of this technique over others, only that it is technically feasible and that the approach holds promise.

Urinary diversions for benign and oncologic indications: what did we learn about short term complications in the last 24 months?

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Urinary diversion (UD) with or without cystectomy is a procedure with high short term complication rates. In this review, we summarize the most relevant findings of the last 2 years.

RECENT FINDINGS

The use of a prophylactic mesh decreases the risk of parastomal hernia after ileal conduit (IC) surgery without adding mesh-related complications according to a recent randomized multicentre trial. Robot-assisted surgery is increasingly applied for UD and is evolving from extra- to intra-corporeal reconstruction in both continent and incontinent diversions, but there is still a need for appropriately designed studies assessing both short- and long-term complications. Promising techniques to decrease ureterointestinal stricture rates have been reported from small series, such as retrosigmoid placement of the proximal IC to avoid transpositioning of the left ureter, or in robot-assisted surgery the use of indocyanine green with near-infrared light to improve visualisation of distal ureteral viability.

SUMMARY

Most recent reports derive from observational data. Appropriate randomized studies are warranted for the evaluation of new techniques to be implemented in a surgical area that still is associated with high complication rates.

Comparison of Oncologic Outcomes Following Open and Robotic-assisted Radical Cystectomy with both Extracorporeal and Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion

OBJECTIVES

To compare oncologic endpoints between open radical cystectomy (ORC) and robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion (eRARC) or intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of all patients undergoing curative-intent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion for urothelial bladder cancer at a single-institution from 2010-2018. Primary outcomes included recurrence location and rates, recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Survival estimates were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank analysis. Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify predictors of survival.

RESULTS

265, 366 and 285 patients underwent ORC, eRARC, and iRARC, respectively (n = 916). Median follow-up was 52, 40 and 37 months for ORC, eRARC and iRARC, respectively (P < 0.001). Ileal conduit was more commonly performed in iRARC (85%, P < 0.001). Neobladder rates did not vary. Neoadjuvant (p=0.4) or adjuvant therapy use (P = 0.36), pT-stage (P = 0.28) or pN-stage (P = 0.1) did not differ. Positive soft tissue margin rates were higher in ORC (7.2%-ORC, 3.6%-eRARC, 3.2%-iRARC, P = 0.041). Differences in recurrence rates or location were not observed. Surgical approach was not associated with any survival endpoint on proportional-hazards or Kaplan-Meier analysis. Hazard ratios and 95% CI for RFS were 1 (0.72-14) and 0.93 (0.66-1.3) for eRARC and iRARC, respectively, when compared to ORC as the referent.

CONCLUSION

These findings from a large, single-institution in conjunction with randomized-controlled trial data suggest that RARC does not compromise perioperative or long-term oncologic outcomes when compared to ORC.

Functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: A review of literature

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy has steadily gained wider acceptance among urologists compared with open and laparoscopic approaches. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy has shown comparable perioperative and oncologic outcomes compared with open radical cystectomy. Nevertheless, data about the functional outcomes and quality of life after robot-assisted radical cystectomy remain limited. We sought to review the literature and describe urinary, sexual and bowel functions after robot-assisted radical cystectomy in addition to mental health and health-related quality of life. Despite limitations of the available literature, data suggests that functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy are comparable to open radical cystectomy. However, more studies utilizing standardized definitions are required.

Surgical Management of Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Review of Current Recommendations

OBJECTIVE

To provide a narrative overview of contemporary surgical management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer with focus on radical cystectomy and urinary tract reconstruction.

DATA SOURCES

International guidelines and a search for articles in PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Database for single and collaborative studies on surgical management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

CONCLUSION

Patients diagnosed with muscle invasive bladder cancer often have complex treatment and care needs. For those who undergo radical cystectomy as the curative treatment, there is a considerable risk of general complications after major surgery and short- and long-term complications specific to reconstruction of the urinary tract after radical cystectomy. Contemporary care focuses on perioperative optimization to lower rates of major complications, enhanced recovery protocols, and focus on rehabilitation and cancer survivorship.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses are integral members of the multidisciplinary team around patients undergoing surgery for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and are in a position to coordinate pathways for these patients who often have complex care needs because of preexisting comorbidity and limited personal resources that impede recovery after major surgery and cancer survivorship.

Implementation of a nonopioid protocol following robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion

PURPOSE

The implementation of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) for management of patients with muscle-invasive or high-risk noninvasive bladder cancer has increased in utilization over the last decade. Here, we seek to describe institutional opioid prescription and utilization patterns following implementation of a nonopioid (NOP) perioperative pain management protocol in patients who received RARC with ICUD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of all patients who underwent RARC that utilized a NOP perioperative pain management protocol at a single academic institution from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. For comparison, we included 74 consecutive patients who received the same NOP protocol with extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD).

RESULTS

A total of 116 patients who received ICUD were included in our analysis. The median operation time for the ICUD group was 305 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 262-352). 12.1% (n = 14) of patients who underwent ICUD required narcotics during inpatient hospitalization. For these patients, the median morphine milligram equivalent requirement was 52.0 (IQR: 7.62-157). Additionally, only 12.1% (n = 14) of patients were prescribed opioids postoperatively at discharge. We identified that within 6 months of surgery only 5 (4.3%) patients required a second narcotic prescription. Furthermore, of patients who did not use mu-opioid blockers, a minority experienced postoperative ileus (15.7%, n = 16). 30- and 90-day all Clavien complication rates for patients were 44.8% (n = 52) and 49.1% (n = 57), respectively. Nineteen (16.4%) patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, of which none were pain related. When compared to ECUD, patients who received ICUD experienced similar complication and readmission rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a NOP protocol for patients undergoing RARC with ICUD allows for both decreased postoperative narcotic use and reduced need for narcotic prescriptions at discharge with acceptable complication and readmission rates.

Impact of Smoking Habit on Perioperative Morbidity in Patients Treated with Radical Cystectomy for Urothelial Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Smoking habit at the time of surgery is associated with higher perioperative complications and mortality across different types of surgeries. In recent years, several studies have attempted to explore the influence of smoking on perioperative outcomes following radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) with contradictory results.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically investigate and meta-analyze the association between smoking habit and perioperative morbidity and mortality in UBC patients treated with RC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the literature published between January 2000 and January 2020 investigating the impact of smoking habit on perioperative outcomes of patients treated with RC for UBC was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 27 articles involving 27 854 patients were included in the systematic review, and of these, 11 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The studies included showed a moderate to high risk of bias. Smoking status (smokers vs nonsmokers) was significantly associated with the onset of major postoperative complications (hazard ratio [HR] 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-2.32; I² = 0%), infections (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.72; I² = 66.2%), and mortality (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.14-2.98; I² = 4.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking status at the time of RC is associated with increased risk for major postoperative complications, infections, and mortality. These results suggest the need for strict postoperative monitoring in smokers due to the increased risk of experiencing adverse events and underline the need for intensive smoking cessation interventions in the preoperative setting.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study, we reviewed the impact of smoking habit on perioperative outcomes following radical cystectomy (RC). Based on the available data, the impact of smoking on morbidity and mortality after RC is significant and relevant; as such, every effort should be made in the preoperative setting to encourage smoking cessation.

Prediction of the Need for an Extended Lymphadenectomy at the Time of Radical Cystectomy in Patients with Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND

A prospective randomized trial (LEA AUO AB 25/02) found no survival benefit in extended compared with limited pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) templates in bladder cancer (BCa) patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC). However, the rate of lymph node invasion (LNI) in the standard and extended templates was lower than estimated.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of preoperative clinical and pathological parameters to predict LNI and to develop a model to preoperatively select candidates for the extended PLND templates.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 903 BCa patients treated at a single institution were retrospectively identified. The primary outcome was to identify preoperatively the risk of LNI to tailor the type of PLND. The extended PLND templates consisted in the removal of pelvic lymph nodes together with the common iliac, presacral, para-aortocaval, interaortocaval, and paracaval sites up to the inferior mesenteric artery.

INTERVENTION

A total of 903 BCa patients were treated with RC and bilateral extended PLND templates.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Several models predicting LNI were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plots and decision curve analyses. A nomogram predicting LNI in the extended pattern was developed and validated internally.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 55 patients (6.1%) had LNI in the extended PLND templates at RC. The median number of nodes removed was 19 (interquartile range: 13-26). A model including age, clinical T stage, clinical node stage, lymphovascular invasion, and presence of carcinoma in situ at the last transurethral resection before RC was developed. The AUC of this model is 73%. Using a cutoff of 3%, 108 extended PLNDs (12%) would be spared and only two LNIs (3%) would be missed. The main limitations of our model are the retrospective nature of the data, lack of external validation, and low rate of LNI.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first proposed model to predict LNI in the extended PLND templates. This model might help urologists identify which patients might benefit from an extended PLND at the time of RC, reserving a standard PLND for all the others.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We developed the first nomogram to predict lymph node invasion (LNI) in the extended pelvic lymph node dissection templates in bladder cancer patients treated with radical cystectomy. The adoption of our model to identify candidates for the extended pelvic lymph node dissection templates could avoid up to 12% of these procedures at the cost of missing only 3% of patients with LNI.

Perioperative outcomes and safety of robotic vs open cystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12,640 cases

PURPOSE

Robotic radical cystectomy (RRC) has become a commonly utilised alternative to open radical cystectomy (ORC). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RRC vs ORC focusing on perioperative outcomes and safety.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched from January 2000 to April 2020 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Statement for study selection.

RESULTS

In total, 47 studies (5 randomised controlled trials, 42 non-randomised comparative studies) comprising 12,640 patients (6572 ORC, 6068 RRC) were included. There was no difference in baseline demographics between the groups apart from males were more likely to undergo ORC (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.85). Those with muscle-invasive disease were more likely to undergo RRC (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.34), and those with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer were more likely to undergo ORC (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.89). RRC had a significantly longer operating time, less blood loss and lower transfusion rate. There was no difference in lymph node yield, rate of positive surgical margins, or Clavien-Dindo Grade I-II complications between the two groups. However, the RRC group were less likely to experience Clavien-Dindo Grade III-IV (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.30-1.89) and overall complications (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.26-1.68) than the ORC group. The mortality rate was higher in ORC although this did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.99-2.35).

CONCLUSION

RRC has significantly lower blood loss, transfusion rate and is associated with fewer high grade and overall complications compared to ORC.

Robot-assisted intracorporeal orthotopic bladder substitution after radical cystectomy: perioperative morbidity and oncological outcomes - a single-institution experience

OBJECTIVE

To report a single-institution experience with totally intracorporeal neobladder urinary diversion (UD) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 158 patients underwent totally intracorporeal neobladder UD after RARC between 2003 and 2016. Patient demographics, intraoperative and pathological data, 30- and 90-day perioperative mortality and complications were recorded. Complications were classified according to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. The 5-year overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier plots.

RESULTS

Most of the patients were male (84%) and had clinical T Stage ≤2 (87%). The mean operation time was 359 (SD ±98) min, with a median (range) estimated blood loss of 300 (50-2200) mL. Most of the men (86%) received a nerve-sparing procedure and 38% of the females an organ-sparing approach. A lymph node dissection was performed in 156 (99%) patients, with a median (range) yield of 23 (7-48) nodes. Conversion to open surgery occurred in five patients (3%). We recorded negative margins in 156 patients (99%). The median (range) follow-up was 34 (1-170) months, with 30- and 90-day mortality rates of 0%. Clavien-Dindo Grade III-IV complications occurred in 29 of 158 (18%) patients at 30-days and in eight of 158 (5%) between 30-90 days, resulting into a 90-day overall high-grade complication rate of 23%. The unadjusted estimated 5-years recurrence-free survival, CSS and OS rates were 70%, 72%, and 71%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In our present series the complication and oncological results were similar to open RC series, suggesting that RARC followed by totally intracorporeal neobladder UD is a safe and feasible alternative.

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy: the first multicentric Brazilian experience

The objective of this study is to report the first multicentric Brazilian series and learning curve of robotic radical cystectomy (RARC) with related intra- and postoperative outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 37 RARC prospectively collected at four different centers in Brazil, from 2013 to 2019. We analyzed the patient's demographics, pathological tumor, and nodal status, as well as intra- and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed with the IBM (SPSS version 25) software. Overall, 86% were male, and the median age was 69 years. 83% had muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and 17% a high-grade, recurrent non-muscle-invasive tumor. The median operative time was 420 min with 300 min as console time. Median blood loss was 350 ml and transfusion rate was 10%. In 68% of the cases, we performed an intracorporeal Bricker urinary diversion, 24% intracorporeal neobladder, and 8% ureterostomy. Six patients (16%) had a Clavien 1-2, 8% had Clavien 3, 2.5% had a Clavien 4, and 5% had Clavien 5. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days. The final pathological exam pointed out pT0 in 16%, pT1 in 8%, pT2 in 32%, ≥ pT3 in 27%, and 16% pTis. 95% had negative surgical margins. The survival at 30, 90, and 180 days was 98%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first multicentric series of RARC reporting the learning curve in Brazil; even if still representing a challenging procedure, RARC could be safely and effectively faced by experienced surgeons at centers with high volumes of robotic surgery.

Do Not Learn a Technique, Learn the Biology Underlying the Disease: Techniques Evolve, Biology Prevails

The evidence available suggests that open and robot-assisted radical cystectomy lead to similar outcomes in bladder cancer. True advances will come from a better understanding of the biology of the disease, and a comprehensive, multimodal approach that aims to improve patient survival and quality of life is more critical than the surgical technique.