Step-by-step technique for single-port robot-assisted radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph nodes dissection using the da Vinci® SP™ surgical system.
Academic Article
Overview
abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe a step-by-step technique for robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) performed using the da Vinci® SP™ surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four consecutive patients diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder were counselled for RARC with PLND and ileal conduit urinary diversion performed using the da Vinci SP surgical system. A 3-cm midline incision was made 5-cm above the umbilicus. Dissection was performed to access the abdominal cavity. Insertion of the GelPOINT® advanced access platform (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA) with the SP Cannula was performed through the incision made. A 12-mm AirSeal® (SurgiQuest Inc., Milfort, CT, USA) port for the assistant was placed on the pre-marked stoma site, where an ileal conduit urinary diversion was desired. Demographics and perioperative outcomes were collected under Institutional Review Board approval (IRB 13-780). The surgeries were performed by reproducing the steps of the institutional approach for RARC performed with the multi-arm robotic platform. RESULTS: The surgeries were successfully completed. There was neither conversion to standard multi-arm robotic or open approaches nor the need for additional port placement. The mean (range) operative time was 454 (420-496) min. Blood loss averaged 312 mL. No transfusions were required and no intraoperative complications occurred. All patients had negative surgical margins. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 5. CONCLUSION: From our preliminary experience, RARC with PLND and ileal conduit urinary diversion is feasible and safe using the da Vinci SP surgical system. Further comparative studies with open and multi-arm robotic approaches are warranted.
