Robot-assisted radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection: a multi-institutional study from Korea

Surgical outcomes and predictive value for major complications of robot-assisted radical cystectomy of real-world data in a single institution in Japan

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to describe the surgical outcome of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and predictive factors for major complications in real-world clinical practice at a single institution in Japan.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 208 consecutive patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy at our institution between 2019 and 2023. Patient and disease characteristics, intraoperative details, and perioperative outcomes were reviewed. Postoperative complications were defined as minor complications (Clavien-Dindo grades 1-2) or major complications (grades 3-5). Predictors of complications were examined using multivariable logistic analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 147 men and 61 women, median age 70 years (interquartile range, 62-77), were included in this study. Median operative time and estimated blood loss were 8.4 h and 185 mL, respectively; 11 patients (5%) received intraoperative blood transfusions. For urinary diversions, ileal conduit, neobladder, and cutaneous ureterostomy were performed in 153 (74%), 49 (24%), and 6 (3%) patients, respectively. Urinary diversions were primarily performed with extracorporeal urinary diversion. In total, 140 complications occurred in 111 patients (53%) within 30 days. Of these patients, 31 major complications occurred in 28 patients, and one perioperative death (0.5%) with a postoperative cardiovascular event. Multivariable analysis showed only prolonged operative time (odds ratio: 4.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.82-10.35, p < 0.01) was the independent risk factor for major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports surgical outcomes at our single institution. Prolonged operative time was a significant prognostic factor for major complications. As far as we know, this study reports the largest number of robot-assisted radical cystectomy cases at a single center in Japan.

A preliminary animal study of thermal rheology fluid as a new temperature-dependent liquid intravascular embolic material

Purpose

Thermal rheology (TR) fluid, which comprises polyethylene (PE) particles, their dispersant, and solvent, is a material that increases in viscosity to various degrees depending on the type and ratio of these constituents when its temperature rises. The viscosity of type 1 (TRF-1) increases more than that of type 2 (TRF-2) near rabbit body temperature. This preliminary animal study aimed to determine the basic characteristics and embolic effect of TR fluid by comparing TRF-1 and TRF-2.

Materials and methods

Twenty-four Japanese white rabbits underwent unilateral renal artery embolization using TRF-1 or TRF-2 and follow-up angiography at 7 or 28 days (4 subgroups, n = 6 each). Subsequently, the rabbits were euthanized, and the embolized kidneys were removed for pathological examination. The primary and final embolization rates were defined as the ratio of renal artery area not visible immediately after embolization and follow-up angiography, respectively, to visualized renal artery area before embolization. The final embolization rate and maximum vessel diameter filled with PE particles were compared between materials. Moreover, the embolic effect was determined to be persistent when a two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in means between the embolization rates was < 5%.

Results

The final embolization rate was significantly higher for the TRF-1 than for the TRF-2 at both 7 (mean 80.7% [SD 18.7] vs. 28.4% [19.9], p = 0.001) and 28 days (94.0% [3.5] vs. 37.8% [15.5], p < 0.001). The maximum occluded vessel diameter was significantly larger for TRF-1 than for TRF-2 (870 µm [417] vs. 270 µm [163], p < 0.001). The embolic effect of TRF-1 was persistent until 28 days (difference between rates − 3.3 [95% CI − 10.0–3.4]).

Conclusion

The embolic effect of TRF-1 was more persistent than that of TRF-2, and the persistency depended on the type and ratio of TR fluid constituents.

Contemporary techniques and outcomes of robotic assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion

The open approach to radical cystectomy continues to be accompanied by significant morbidity despite enhanced recovery protocols (ERP). Robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) has become an increasingly popular technique for removal of aggressive bladder cancer and subsequent urinary diversion. Randomized clinical trials comparing the robotic and open techniques address the uncertainty surrounding oncological efficacy of the RARC and show that RARC is at least comparable to open radical cystectomy (ORC) in terms of oncologic adequacy and survival. Although RARC with ICUD is a technically challenging procedure, surgeons have noted ergonomic advantages while patients experience less blood loss and quicker time to recovery and to adjuvant chemotherapy (AC), if necessary. Even with these benefits, there is a paucity of data describing outcomes of ICUD. For those surgeons who have switched to ICUD, priority remains standardization of a protocol for the reconstructive component and for a safe transition from extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) to ICUD. Additionally, there is a need for evidence of reduced financial toxicity for the patient, as well as more comprehensive cost-effectiveness analyses. The literature from this review represents 10 years of accumulating data on techniques and outcomes of RARC with ICUD.

Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal urinary diversion following robot-assisted radical cystectomy: a meta-analysis, cumulative analysis, and systematic review

Over the last decade, the increased utilization of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in the surgical treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer has led to an uptrend in intracorporeal urinary diversions (ICUD). However, the operative results comparing ICUD to extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) have varied widely. We performed a meta-analysis to analyze perioperative outcomes and complications of ICUD compared to ECUD following RARC. This study is registered at International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42020164074. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases in August 2019. A total of six studies comparing ICUD vs ECUD were identified and meta-analysis was conducted on these studies. In addition, a cumulative analysis was also performed on 83 studies that reported perioperative outcomes after RARC and ICUD or ECUD. The Weighed Mean Difference of operative time and blood loss between ICUD and ECUD group was (16; 95% confidence interval - 34 to 66) and (- 86; 95% confidence interval - 124 to - 48), respectively. ICUD and ECUD had comparable early (30-day) and mid-term (30-90-day) complication rate (RR 1.19; 95% confidence interval 0.71-2.0; p = 0.5) and (RR 0.91; 95% confidence interval 0.71-1.15 p = 0.4) respectively. In the 83 studies that were included in the cumulative analysis, the mean operative time for ileal conduit and neobladders by ICUD were 307 and 428 min, respectively, compared to ECUD 428 and 426 min, respectively. ICUD and ECUD have comparable short- and mid-term complication rate. The ICUD group has lower blood loss and lower rate of blood transfusion compared to ECUD.

Higher nodal yield with robot-assisted pelvic lymph node dissection for bladder cancer compared to laparoscopic dissection: implications for more accurate staging

Objectives

To compare the lymph node (LN) yield and adequacy of laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection (L-PLND) and robot-assisted PLND (R-PLND), as PLND is a fundamental component of radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BCa), where a positive status is the most powerful predictor of disease recurrence and survival.

Patents and methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing RC with PLND for BCa from January 2007 to July 2019 and grouped them in to L- and R-PLND. Until 2011, patients underwent a standard PLND (S-PLND) with the cranial limit as bifurcation of common iliac artery. Since 2012, an extended PLND (E-PLND) up to aortic bifurcation has been performed. An adequate S- and E-PLND were defined as those that yielded at least 10 and 16 LNs, respectively. The groups were compared for LN yield and adequacy of PLND.

Results

During the study period, 305 patients underwent minimally invasive RC in our centre, of which 274 (89.8%) underwent a concomitant PLND (98 L-PLND, 176 R-PLND). R-PLND resulted in a significantly greater median LN yield compared to L-PLND, both in the S-PLND (16 vs 11, P < 0.001) and the E-PLND (19 vs 14, P < 0.001) eras. Also, a significantly higher proportion of patients in the R-PLND group had an adequate PLND compared to the L-PLND group. Surgical approach to PLND (R- vs L-PLND) was the only variable that was significantly associated with an adequate PLND on both univariable (odds ratio [OR] 1.860, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.114–3.105; P = 0.01) and multivariable (OR 2.109, 95% CI 1.222–3.641; P = 0.007) analyses.

Conclusion

R-PLND leads to a higher LN yield and a greater probability of an adequate PLND compared to L-PLND for both standard and extended templates. Therefore, the robot-assisted approach would lead to more accurate staging following RC with PLND.

Radical cystectomy in women: Impact of the robot-assisted versus open approach on surgical outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To perform a comparison of complications following open versus robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RC) among women who undergo the procedure. Studies comparing robotic to open RC have been mixed without a clear delineation of which patients benefit the most from one modality vs. the other, leading to continued debate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of women who underwent either open or robotic RC at the MD Anderson Cancer Center from 1/2014 to 6/2018. Co-morbidities, pathologic data, and complications were assessed with descriptive statistics, along with uni- and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

122 women underwent either open (n = 76) or robotic (n = 46) RC. Open RC was associated with greater intraoperative blood loss (median EBL 775 ml vs. 300 ml, P < 0.001). In both uni- and multivariable analyses, open RC was associated with a greater odds of intraoperative transfusion compared to robotic RC (odds ratio 6.49, 95% CI 2.85-14.78, P < 0.001). Women undergoing open RC were also at greater odds of receiving 4 or more units of packed red blood cells (odds ratio 5.46 (1.75-17.02), P = 0.003). Robotic RC conferred a higher median lymph node yield (27 vs. 20 nodes, P, <0.001) and operative times (median 513 min vs. 391.5 min, P < 0.001). There were no differences in margin positivity, length of stay, or readmission rates at 30 and 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic RC was associated with a significantly lower risk of transfusion and EBL, and a higher median lymph node yield and operative time. Unique anatomic considerations may in part be responsible for these findings.

Oncological and functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy in bladder cancer patients in a single tertiary center: Can these be preserved throughout the learning curve?

Purpose

To evaluate the overall and segmental oncological and functional outcome of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) during the learning curve.

Materials and Methods

From August 2007 to November 2017, a total of 120 bladder cancer patients were treated with RARC in a single-tertiary hospital. These were divided into three groups of 40 consecutive cases. Overall and subgroup analysis of each group was used to evaluate oncological and functional outcomes throughout the learning curve.

Results

Among the 120 RARC cases, 42, 73, and 5 patients received extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD), intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD), and ureterocutaneostomy, respectively. There was a transition from ECUD to ICUD during the learning curve. The positive surgical margin rate was 0.8%. The mean lymph node yield for the standard and extended pelvic lymph node dissection was 12.5 and 30.1, respectively, and increased to 19.8 and 31.2 and further to 20.0 and 37.9, respectively, with each additional series of 40 cases. The 5-year overall survival and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates were 86.6% and 81.4%, respectively. The 1-year daytime continence rate was 75.7%, while the nighttime continence rate was 51.4%. The potency preservation rate was 66.7% (n=8) with or without phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5-I) at 1 year and 33.3% without PDE5-I (n=4).

Conclusions

RARC results in comparable oncological and functional outcomes to open radical cystectomy. In addition, the oncological and functional outcomes were well maintained throughout the learning curve. ECUD transition to ICUD was safe and did not compromise oncological or functional outcome.

Safety and Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Versus Open Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) compared with open radical cystectomy (ORC) in bladder cancer.

METHODS

A literature search for the systematic review was conducted using international databases as well as domestic databases up to April 2015. Outcomes of interest included baseline characteristics, complication rates, perioperative, and oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles were finally selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Complication rates of RARC were similar to those of ORC, except for 90-day overall complication rate, wound dehiscence, abscess, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and sepsis, which was lower after RARC. RARC was also associated with a smaller amount of estimated blood loss, lower transfusion rate, shorter length of hospital stay, shorter time to flatus, and more lymph node yield, whereas ORC was associated with a shorter operation time and lower rate of stricture. Considering oncologic outcomes, there were no differences between RARC and ORC.

CONCLUSIONS

RARC seems to be associated with equivalent complication rates, a smaller amount of estimated blood loss, lower transfusion rate, shorter length of hospital stay, shorter time to flatus, and more lymph node yield. Randomized controlled trials with a large sample size and comparative studies with long-term follow-up data are warranted to assess our findings and the oncologic effectiveness of RARC.

Getting out of a tight spot: an overview of ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is the gold-standard treatment for muscle-invasive and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture is a well-known complication of urinary diversion and is associated with serious sequelae that lead to total or partial loss of kidney function, infectious complications, and the need for additional procedures. Although the exact aetiology of benign ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures is unclear, they most likely occur secondary to ischaemia at the anastomotic region. Diagnosis can be achieved using retrograde contrast studies, CT scan or MAG3 renography. Open revision remains the gold-standard treatment for ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures; however, endourological techniques are being increasingly used and, in select patients, might be the optimal approach.

Critical Review of Outcomes from Radical Cystectomy: Can Complications from Radical Cystectomy Be Reduced by Surgical Volume and Robotic Surgery?

CONTEXT

Radical cystectomy (RC) is a highly complex procedure with multiple risks for perioperative complications.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the literature to report perioperative outcomes and the incidence of complications in contemporary RC series. We focused on the potential impact of surgical approach and surgeon volume on these outcomes.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic literature search was performed in December 2015 using the Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases for articles published in English between 2005 and 2015. The search strategy included the terms complications, cystectomy, robotic assisted radical cystectomy, and surgical volume, alone or in combination. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Our searches retrieved 49 papers. Open RC (ORC) and robot-assisted RC (RARC) are morbid procedures with consistent risk of perioperative complications (mean weighted incidence: 48.7%; range: 27.0-72.5%). Higher hospital and surgeon volumes were associated with reduced risks of perioperative complications. Prior robotic expertise in radical prostatectomy showed a beneficial protective risk on development of complications after RARC. Surgical volume appears to be a good predictor of safety in ORC and RARC. RARC is associated with reduced estimated blood loss and lower perioperative transfusion rates compared with ORC. Further evidence is needed to support the reproducibility of intracorporeal diversion during RARC, beyond large tertiary referral centers. Several strategies have been demonstrated to be effective for reducing the risk of incurring perioperative complications and should be pursued by physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite improvements in quality of care, RC remains a challenging procedure with high morbidity, regardless of surgical approach. RARC is a safe procedure with potential advantages in terms of reduced blood loss and transfusion rates. Surgical volume appears to be related to the improvement of perioperative outcomes and complications.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Radical cystectomy is a challenging and morbid procedure. The robotic approach has gained popularity and proved to be safe and effective in tertiary referral centers, although further studies are needed to confirm its wide reproducibility. Centers with higher surgical volume have lower incidence of perioperative complications.

Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy with Total Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion: Comparative Analysis with Extracorporeal Urinary Diversion

PURPOSE

To compare the perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and early oncologic outcomes of intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) with those of extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) following robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary referral hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed a prospectively maintained, institutional review board-approved database of 70 patients treated with RARC and pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection for bladder cancer performed from 2007 through 2014. Data were collected for 64 patients who underwent either ICUD or ECUD.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients underwent ECUD, and the remaining 26 underwent ICUD. Urinary diversion was performed extracorporeally in the first 37 cases and performed intracorporeally thereafter. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the ECUD and ICUD groups. Mean total operative time was 468 minutes for ECUD and 581 minutes for ICUD (P < .05). Mean estimated blood loss was 265 and 148 mL, respectively (P < .05). Minor and total complication rates for patients with the ECUD were higher than in patients with the ICUD (minor: 47.4% vs. 15.4%; total: 57.9% vs. 30.8%; P < .05). All patients showed negative surgical margin, while 21% in the ECUD group and 26.9% in the ICUD group had pathologic stage T3 or T4 (P > .05). The mean LN yield was 23.2 and 31.8, respectively (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

From our experience, the results show that ICUD after RARC can be successful, with the benefits of decreased blood loss and lower transfusion and complication rates than ECUD. A larger series and long-term follow-up data will be necessary to support our results.

Standardized analysis of complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Korea University Hospital experience

Purpose

To analyze the complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) by use of a standardized reporting methodology by a single surgeon.

Materials and Methods

We prospectively reviewed a maintained institutional database of 52 patients who underwent RARC to manage bladder cancer and were followed up in 3 months by a single surgeon at Korea University Medical Center from 2007 through 2014. All complications within 90 days of surgery were defined and categorized into 5 grades according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of complications.

Results

Fifty percent of patients (26 of 52) experienced a complication of any grade <90 days after surgery, and 11 patients (21.2%) experienced a major complication. Complications were grouped in systems-based categories. Fifty complications occurred in 52 patients and hematologic complication (transfusion) was the most common (13 of 52). Wound dehiscence, anastomotic leakage, urinary tract obstruction, mechanical obstruction, and thromboembolism occurred as major complications. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 247 mL and mean total operative time was 496 minutes. The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 24.6, with 30.5 for extended dissection. EBL (over 300 mL), operative time, and method of urinary diversion were significant negative predictors of minor complications, whereas EBL (over 300 mL) was a significant negative predictor of major complications (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The present results show that the complication rate reported by use of a standardized methodology after robotic radical cystectomy is still considerable although comparable to that of contemporary robot series. EBL, operative time, and diversion methods were predictors of complications.

Best practices in robot-assisted radical cystectomy and urinary reconstruction: recommendations of the Pasadena Consensus Panel

CONTEXT

Robot-assisted surgery is increasingly used for radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary reconstruction. Sufficient data have accumulated to allow evidence-based consensus on key issues such as perioperative management, comparative effectiveness on surgical complications, and oncologic short- to midterm outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

A 2-d conference of experts on RC and urinary reconstruction was organized in Pasadena, California, and the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, California, to systematically review existing peer-reviewed literature on robot-assisted RC (RARC), extended lymphadenectomy, and urinary reconstruction. No commercial support was obtained for the conference.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the literature was performed in agreement with the PRISMA statement.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Systematic literature reviews and individual presentations were discussed, and consensus on all key issues was obtained. Most operative, intermediate-term oncologic, functional, and complication outcomes are similar between open RC (ORC) and RARC. RARC consistently results in less blood loss and a reduced need for transfusion during surgery. RARC generally requires longer operative time than ORC, particularly with intracorporeal reconstruction. Robotic assistance provides ergonomic value for surgeons. Surgeon experience and institutional volume strongly predict favorable outcomes for either open or robotic techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

RARC appears to be similar to ORC in terms of operative, pathologic, intermediate-term oncologic, complication, and most functional outcomes. RARC consistently results in less blood loss and a reduced need for transfusion during surgery. RARC can be more expensive than ORC, although high procedural volume may attenuate this difference.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is an alternative to open surgery for patients with bladder cancer who require removal of their bladder and reconstruction of their urinary tract. RARC appears to be similar to open surgery for most important outcomes such as the rate of complications and intermediate-term cancer-specific survival. Although RARC has some ergonomic advantages for surgeons and may result in less blood loss during surgery, it is more time consuming and may be more expensive than open surgery.

Systematic review and cumulative analysis of perioperative outcomes and complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy

CONTEXT

Although open radical cystectomy (ORC) is still the standard approach, laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) have gained popularity.

OBJECTIVE

To report a systematic literature review and cumulative analysis of perioperative outcomes and complications of RARC in comparison with ORC and LRC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched using a free-text protocol including the terms robot-assisted radical cystectomy or da Vinci radical cystectomy or robot* radical cystectomy. RARC case series and studies comparing RARC with either ORC or LRC were collected. Cumulative analysis was conducted.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The searches retrieved 105 papers. According to the different diversion type, overall mean operative time ranged from 360 to 420 min. Similarly, mean blood loss ranged from 260 to 480 ml. Mean in-hospital stay was about 9 d for all diversion types, with consistently high readmission rates. In series reporting on RARC with either extracorporeal or intracorporeal conduit diversion, overall 90-d complication rates were 59% (high-grade complication: 15%). In series reporting RARC with intracorporeal continent diversion, the overall 30-d complication rate was 45.7% (high-grade complication: 28%). Reported mortality rates were ≤3% for all diversion types. Comparing RARC and ORC, cumulative analyses demonstrated shorter operative time for ORC, whereas blood loss and in-hospital stay were better with RARC (all p values <0.003). Moreover, 90-d complication rates of any-grade and 90-d grade 3 complication rates were lower for RARC (all p values <0.04), whereas high-grade complication and mortality rates were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

RARC can be performed safely with acceptable perioperative outcome, although complications are common. Cumulative analyses demonstrated that operative time was shorter with ORC, whereas RARC may provide some advantages in terms of blood loss and transfusion rates and, more limitedly, for postoperative complication rates over ORC and LRC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Although open radical cystectomy (RC) is still regarded as a standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, laparoscopic and robot-assisted RC are becoming more popular. Robotic RC can be safely performed with acceptably low risk of blood loss, transfusion, and intraoperative complications; however, as for open RC, the risk of postoperative complications is high, including a substantial risk of major complication and reoperation.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies reporting early outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy versus open radical cystectomy

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is increasingly being used in the management of bladder cancer. Studies comparing RARC and open radical cystectomy (ORC) have reported conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the efficacy and advantages of RARC compared with ORC.

METHODS

An electronic database search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was performed up to July 8, 2012. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed based on all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational comparative studies assessing the two techniques.

RESULTS

One RCT, eight studies with prospectively collected data, and four retrospective studies were identified, including 962 cases. Although RARC was associated with longer operative time (p<0.001), patients in this group might benefit from less overall perioperative complications (p=0.04), more lymph node yield (p=0.009), less estimated blood loss (p<0.001), a lower need for perioperative transfusion (p<0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (p<0.001). Positive surgical margins did not differ significantly between techniques. Sensitivity analysis with prospective studies showed similar results to the original analysis, but no significant difference of lymph node yield and length of stay between two techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

RARC is a mini-invasive alternative to ORC with less overall perioperative complications, more lymph node yields, less estimated blood loss, less need for a perioperative transfusion, and shorter length of stay.

Ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures after radical cystectomy-does operative approach matter?

PURPOSE

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy has been increasingly used to decrease the morbidity of radical cystectomy. However, whether it truly lowers the complication rate compared to open radical cystectomy is not well established. We examined the benign ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture rates of open and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the 478 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our institution from December 2007 to December 2011 we examined the proportion diagnosed with benign ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture. Clinicopathological variables were compared by treatment group. Cox multivariable analysis was performed to determine which patient or disease specific factors were independently associated with stricture diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 375 patients (78.5%) underwent open radical cystectomy and 103 (21.5%) underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy. Of the patients 45 (9.4%) were diagnosed with ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture a median of 5.3 months postoperatively. There was no difference in the stricture rate between the open and robot-assisted groups (8.5% vs 12.6%, p = 0.21). On adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis no patient variable was independently associated with stricture diagnosis, including operative approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the patients 9.4% were diagnosed with benign ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture after radical cystectomy with no significant difference in the risk of diagnosis by surgical approach. No patient or disease specific factor was independently associated with an increased risk of stricture diagnosis. Ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture is likely related to surgical technique. Continued efforts are needed to refine the technique of open and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy to minimize the occurrence of this critical complication.

Definition, incidence, risk factors, and prevention of paralytic ileus following radical cystectomy: a systematic review

CONTEXT

Postoperative paralytic ileus (POI) has profound clinical consequences because it represents a substantial burden on both patients and health care resources.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the knowledge base regarding POI in the radical cystectomy (RC) population with an emphasis on preventive measures and risk factors.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic literature search of Medline (1966 to February 2011) and a study review were conducted. Eligible studies explicitly reported the incidence of POI and/or at least two quantitative measures of gastrointestinal recovery.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The search identified 727 relevant articles; 77 met eligibility criteria, comprising 13 793 patients. Of these, 21 used explicit definitions of POI, and they varied widely. Across studies, the incidence of POI ranged from 1.58% to 23.5%. Possible risk factors for POI included increasing age and body mass index. Seventeen studies reported effects of an intervention on POI: 3 randomized controlled studies, 11 observational cohort studies with concurrent comparison, and 3 observational cohort studies with nonconcurrent comparison. Gum chewing was associated with shortened times to flatus (2.4 vs 2.9 d; p<0.0001) and bowel movement (BM) (3.2 vs 3.9 d; p<0.001) in one observational cohort study (n=102); omission of a postoperative nasogastric tube (NGT) was associated with shorter time to flatus (4.21 vs 5.33 d; p=0.0001) and shorter length of stay (14.4 vs 19.1 d; p=0.001) in one observational cohort study (n=430); and the routine use of bowel preparation was associated with an increased incidence of POI (5% vs 19%) in another series (n=86). Additionally, readaptation of the dorsolateral peritoneal layer was shown to shorten times to flatus (p=0.016) and times to BM (p=0.011) in one randomized controlled study (n=200).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence/definition of POI after RC is highly variable. An improved reporting strategy is needed to identify true incidence and risk factors, and to guide future research for both potential preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Initial experience of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with total intracorporeal urinary diversion: comparison with extracorporeal method

PURPOSE

To report our surgical technique and initial experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) with total intracorporeal urinary diversion compared with an extracorporeal method.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In total, 42 patients underwent RARC by a single surgeon at our institute for clinically localized bladder cancer. Among these, 4 patients underwent RARC with complete intracorporeal urinary diversion. An ileal conduit was achieved in 3 patients, and an orthotopic neobladder was created in 1 patient. Our surgical technique is presented in detail, and the intracorporeal cases were compared with 38 previous extracorporeal diversion cases for perioperative outcome, postoperative oncologic outcome, and complications.

RESULTS

Three men and 1 woman underwent complete intracorporeal urinary diversion. In patients receiving ileal conduits the mean total operative time was 510 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 400 mL. In the patient receiving an ileal neobladder the total operative time was 585 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 500 mL. Mean time to flatus was 60 hours, and no intraoperative or postoperative major complications occurred. Surgical margins were negative with no positive lymph nodes. Compared with extracorporeal cases, the mean total operative time for RARC was significantly longer, but perioperative outcomes of estimated blood loss, time to flatus, and postoperative oncologic outcomes were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience showed that RARC with complete intracorporeal urinary diversion is feasible based on perioperative data and oncologic features. However, in this small case series, we observed no definite benefits associated with intracorporeal urinary diversion over extracorporeal urinary diversion except for better cosmesis. Long-term, large-scale, prospective comparative studies will be needed to demonstrate the benefit of intracorporeal urinary diversion.

[Robot-assisted radical cystectomy. Pilot study for the prospective evaluation of perioperative parameters compared to open radical cystectomy]

BACKGROUND

For robot-assisted radical cystectomy prospective assembly and evaluation of peri- and postoperative parameters within a national database is planned. This pilot study evaluated which parameters should be assessed and which problems might occur for assembly and interpretation of data.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 84 patients with radical cystectomy, 14 underwent RARC. Evaluable patients were compared to patients with open radical cystectomy (ORC) regarding perioperative parameters. In addition, a literature review on published single-center RARC series and comparative investigations (RARC vs ORC) was performed. Published data were compared to results of our own series.

RESULTS

RARC patients received less packed red blood cells [RARC: 0 (0-2), ORC 2 (0-12), p=0.009] and hospitalization was shorter [RARC: 14 (8-18) days, ORC: 18 (11-97) days, p=0.015]. Comorbidities as assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index were less common in RARC patients [RARC: 4 (3-8), ORC: 6 (3-11), p=0.11]. No major differences between our own and published results were observed. The rate of continent urinary diversions in the Düsseldorf RARC cohort was, apart from one study, larger. Problems in the assembly and interpretation of operation time, blood loss, transfusion rate, and postoperative recovery were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in this small cohort results of published studies were confirmed. Potential problems in data assembly were identified. Appropriate solutions will be implemented in the national database.