Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy with Extracorporeal Urinary Diversion: Initial Experience

Abstract

Background: The use of robotic technology for laparoscopic prostatectomy is now well established. The same cannot yet be said of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC), which is performed in just a few centres worldwide. Objective: We present our technique and experience of this procedure using the da Vinci surgical system. Design, setting, and participants: From 2004 to 2007, 23 patients underwent RARC and urinary diversion at our institution. Surgical procedure: We report the development of our technique for RARC, which involves posterior dissection, lateral pedicle control, anterior dissection, and lymphadenectomy prior to either ileal conduit urinary diversion or Studer ..