Evaluation of functional, perioperative outcomes and common complications of robot-assisted vs open construction of orthotopic neobladder following a radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer: A systematic review

Introduction: Orthotopic neobladder (ONB) reconstruction following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer is a viable alternative to the formation of an ileal conduit. Although robotic surgery is gaining popularity, neobladder reconstruction is still most commonly done extra-corporeally (eONB) with a lower midline-laparotomy rather than intra-corporeal ONB (iONB) reconstruction. The novelty of a robotic approach has made several centres apprehensive to adopt this. This systematic review aims to compare functional outcomes as well as perioperative outcomes and common complications of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with iONB versus eONB reconstruction. Materials and methods: A search of the literature from 2011 to 2021 was performed through PubMed, EMBASE, Medline and Scopus to identify articles comparing eONB formation with iONB formation. Urodynamic (UDS) outcomes (bladder volume, flow rate, post-voiding residual volume, continence rates and rate of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) use) and perioperative outcomes (estimated blood loss, length of stay and operative time) were extracted as endpoints of interest. This review was registered with PROSPERO on 19 October 2022 (CRD42022366667). Results: Our searches identified 84 abstracts, of which 4 articles with 410 patients were eligible. Our results showed patients undergoing iONB had a higher bladder capacity and continence rate and achieved full continence much sooner than eONBs. iONBs, however, seemed to be left with higher residual volumes and a higher percentage of patients who needed CIC to void. Conclusion: Both perioperative outcomes and complications favoured the iONB technique; however, eONB seemed to give better functional outcomes.