[Oncologic and perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy: A single-center prospective series]

[Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction for bladder cancer: robotic-assisted versus open-radical cystectomy for perioperative outcomes, functional results and quality of life]

INTRODUCTION

Open radical cystectomy (ORC) is the gold standard technique for carcinologic cystectomies. Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) was introduced in 2003 and its development is booming.

OBJECTIVE

To compare ORC and RARC with totally intracorporal (IC) orthotopic neobladder (ONB) reconstruction, in terms of perioperative outcomes, morbidity, functional results and quality of life (Qol).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 2010 to February 2017, a French multicentric, prospective study on patients who had a RC and ONB reconstruction for bladder cancer was performed. All patients completed the following questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) generic (QLQ-C30) and the bladder cancer specific instruments (QLQ-BLM30). To assess urinary symptoms, patients also completed the Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire (USP) and a three-day voiding diary. Patients were divided in two groups: ORC and RARC.

RESULTS

We included 72 patients: 55 in the ORC group (76,4%) and 17 (33,6%) in the RARC group. Operative time was longer in RARC group (median 360 vs 300min; P<0.001) but length of stay was 5 days shorter (median 12 vs 17 days; P<0,05). Patients in RARC group had less blood transfusion (0 vs 23.6%; P<0.05), but a higher rate of uretero-ileal anastomosis stenosis and eventration at long term (respectively 25.5 vs 3.6% et 23 vs 2%; P<0.05). No statistical differences were found concerning quality of life items and functional results between the groups.

CONCLUSION

RARC with totally IC ONB reconstruction lead to less perioperative morbidity with a reduced rate of blood transfusion and a reduced hospital length of stay. At long term, RARC could provide higher rates of uretero-ileal stenosis and eventration. RARC and ORC do not have any differences in terms of functional outcomes and Qol at long term after ONB reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Oncological results of a series of 93 laparoscopic radical cystectomies: 5 years of follow-up]

OBJECTIVE

To report oncological results at 5 years after laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) with lymph node dissection for bladder cancer (BC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective single-center study of all patients who underwent LRC for BC by the same surgeon from February 2007 to March 2016. Demographic, perioperative and oncologic data were collected. We reported overall survival rate (OS), cancer specific (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (SSR), as primary indicators of oncologycal outcomes. These survival rates were estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank tests were used to explore overall survival according tumor stage, lymph node involvement and surgical margins status.

RESULTS

In all, 93 patients (82 men and 11 women) underwent LRC. Mean age was 59 years. Minor complications (Clavien I-II) occurred in 24.7%. Major complications (Clavien IIIa-V) were observed in 8.6%. No patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Median lymph node (LN) yield was 15 and 26.5% patients had positive LN. The positive surgical margins (SMs) rate was 5.3%. Median follow-up for the entire patients was 50 months (19-84 months). Forty-three patients (46.2%) were followed for at least 71 months. Five year RFS, CSS and OS were 67%, 85% and 79%, respectively. Non organ confined desease, positive LN and positive SMs were associated with poorer OS (P<0.039, P<0.016 and P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

LRC was associated with acceptable long-term oncologic outcomes, similar to those currently reported after open cystectomy for BC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Evaluation of the learning curve of laparoscopic radical cystectomy for cancer: Morbidity and oncological results]

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of the laparoscopic radical cystectomy learning curve on perioperative and oncological outcomes.

PATIENT AND METHODS

This is a retrospective and single-center study of all patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy for bladder cancer from February 2007 to March 2016, (93 patients) Perioperative and oncological data were collected. We used mixed statistical models to predict the number of patients needed in the learning phase. We compared the perioperative parameters of the patients in the learning phase with those of the rest of the patients. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients are required for the learning phase (P1). The expertise phase begins after the 36th LRC (P2). In both phases, there was no significant difference in age, ASA score, and tumor stage (P=0.237, P=0.577, P=0.998). Mean operative time was 328.3min and 262.4min in P1 and P2 (P=0.0001), mean blood loss was 333.7mL and 194.3mL in P1 and P2 respectively (P=0.0003). The rate of major complications was high in the learning phase (P=0.042). There was no significant difference in lymph node yield, positive surgical margins and overall survival (P=0.068, P=0.194, P=0.703).

CONCLUSION

This learning experience was evaluated without compromising oncological results, but with a significantly higher rate of major complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.