Surgical proficiency in laparoscopic radical cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion and its adequacy for the execution of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion

Abstract Introduction The number of facilities adopting intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) using robots instead of extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) is increasing. However, guidance on how to introduce robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) + ICUD in each urological institute remains unclear. This study aimed to verify the feasibility of the transition from laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) + ECUD to RARC + ICUD. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 26 consecutive patients who underwent ICUD with an ileal conduit after RARC between 2018 and 2020 (RARC + ICUD early group). We then compared these patients with 26 consecutive patients who underwent ECUD with an ileal conduit after LRC between 2012 and 2019 (LRC + ECUD late group) at Yokohama City University Hospital. Results In the RARC + ICUD early group compared with the LRC + ECUD late group, the median total operation time was 516 versus 532.5 min ( P = .217); time to cystectomy, 191 versus 206.5 min ( P = .234); time of urinary diversion with an ileal conduit, 198 versus 220 min ( P = .016); postoperative maximum C‐reactive protein levels, 6.98 versus 12.46 mg/L ( P = .001); number of days to oral intake, 3 versus 5 days ( P = .003); length of hospital stay, 17 versus 32 days ( P < .001). The postoperative complication rates (within 90 days) were 23.1% and 42.3% in the RARC + ICUD early and LRC + ECUD late groups, respectively ( P = .237). Clavien–Dindo classification ≥3 was noted in 1 and 4 patients in the RARC + ICUD early and LRC + ECUD late groups, respectively ( P = .350). Conclusion Regarding perioperative outcomes, the RARC + ICUD early group was not inferior to the LRC + ECUD late group. This study suggests the feasibility of a transition from LRC + ECUD to RARC + ICUD.