Anatomic robot-assisted radical cystectomy in male

Abstract

Radical cystectomy with an extended pelvic lymphadenectomy is the gold standard for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and those with recurrent, high-grade noninvasive disease. As in other urologic malignancies, the use of the robotic platform to perform radical cystectomies has revolutionized the treatment of bladder cancer. It is clear from the results of published reports in the literature, as well as from our own experience at Wake Forest in performing over 250 robot-assisted radical cystectomies (RARC), that the clinical and oncologic goals of the radical cystectomy are achieved. Furthermore, in select patient populations it may even be preferred over the open approach. Therefore, in effort to share our experience with the urologic community, we set out to describe a detailed anatomical description of the steps that are involved in performing the RARC.