Oncologic outcomes in robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Where do we stand in 2021?

Abstract

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy is an alternative to the standard open surgical approach and has been increasingly used to surgically treat bladder cancer. Data on oncologic outcomes for the robotic approach have matured, and now intermediate and long-term oncologic outcomes are available. This review focuses on oncologic outcomes of the robotic approach with a focus on recent data and high-quality studies. Based on the current literature available, there are no consistent differences between the robotic and open approaches with respect to positive margin rates, lymph node yields, recurrence patterns, or recurrence free, cancer-specific, and overall survival. If oncologic surgical principles are adhered to, excellent oncologic outcomes are achievable with the robotic approach.

Keywords

Urinary bladder neoplasms / radical cystectomy / robotic radical cystectomy / oncologic outcomes / robotics / recurrence / survival

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