Robot-assisted vs open cystectomy

Editor's Note

Robot-assisted and open cystectomies are equally effective in treating bladder cancer, this 7-year study finds.

Conducted at 17 institutions, 350 patients with bladder cancer were randomized to the open (175 patients) or the robot-assisted (175 patients) surgical approach.

The researchers found lower blood loss and transfusion rates and shorter hospitals stays for the robot-assisted surgical patients, and no differences in complication rates and 2-year progression-free survival between open and robotic approaches. Both groups reported a significant return to their previous quality of life at 3 and 6 months; neither group had an advantage. Operating room time was significantly longer for the robotic approach.

This study underscores the need for high-quality trials to critically evaluate surgical innovation before adoption into practice, the researchers say.