Is robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal diversion becoming the new gold standard of care?

BACKGROUND: Totally intracorporeal robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has perceived difficulties compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC). As the technique is increasingly adopted around the world, the benefits of RARC with intra- or extracorporeal urinary diversion or ORC for the patients are still unclear. In this article, we consider the current evidence for this issue.

METHODS: We assessed two questions through using expert opinion and the medical literature: (A) Is RARC better than ORC for removing the cancer surgery and outcome? (B) Is RARC better than ORC for the urinary diversion?

OUTCOMES: (A) RARC is better than ORC for shorter length of stay, blood loss and complication rates. (B) Intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder may have a significant physiological and surgical benefit to the patient recovery.

CONCLUSIONS: RARC with total intracorporeal reconstruction has potential benefits to the patient. We recommend that all surgeons document patient-related outcome measures, urodynamics and enhanced recovery protocols for cystectomy patients to help us understand the real improvements within bladder cancer surgery and reconstruction.