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Abstract Introduction Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the upper urinary tract (localised high-risk disease) is treated with a radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Evidence shows laparoscopic and robotic-assisted RNU have similar oncological outcomes to open RNU, but improved peri-operative outcomes, namely length of stay (LOS) and time to mitomycin C (MMC) – given to reduce bladder recurrence. Standard The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines suggest MMC instillation should occur 2-10 days after RNU. Aim To determine if this standard was being met in a single tertiary centre following laparoscopic RNU, and if the expansion of the robotics service has improved this and other peri-operative outcomes. Methods Retrospective data was collected from patient notes and collated in an excel spreadsheet for descriptive statistical analysis. Results The first loop analysed laparoscopic procedures (n = 36). The average LOS was 5 days (SD = 3.7±) and the average time to MMC was 14 days (SD = 6.7±). Bladder recurrence occurred in 41% (n = 14) of this cohort, over an average follow up time of 30.6 months. The second loop analysed robotic-assisted procedures (n = 33). The average LOS was 4 days (SD = 2.23±) and the average time to MMC was 2 days (SD = 0.57±). Bladder recurrence occurred in 30% (n = 8) of this cohort, over an average follow up time of 13 months. Conclusion Both procedures are safe and effective with satisfactory oncological outcomes. By expanding the robotics service, the average LOS and time to MMC decreased. Disease recurrence was higher in the laparoscopic cohort, but the follow-up period was longer.
Spence et al. (Sun,) studied this question.