Urodynamic assessment and quality of life outcomes of robot-assisted totally intracorporeal radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer: a preliminary study

Purpose Few data exist regarding the functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the urodynamic and functional outcomes in patients undergoing RARC and totally intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer. Methods In this monocentric, observational study carried out between 2016 and 2020, consecutive patients undergoing RARC and intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder in the Department of Urology, Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, were included. Reconstruction was totally intracorporeal Y-shaped neobladder. Main outcomes were urodynamic findings 6 months post-surgery, continence and quality of life (QoL). Continence was defined by no pad or one safety pad. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ), International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5) and Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) scores were recorded. Results Fourteen male patients were included (median age: 64 years [IQR 54-67]. Median maximal neobladder cystometric capacity was 495 ml [IQR 410-606] and median compliance was 35.5 ml/cm H2O [IQR 28-62]. All patients had post-void residual volume < 30 ml, except for three (22%) who required clean intermittent-self catheterisation. Daytime continence was achieved in 10 patients (71%) and night-time continence in two (14.3%). Median ICIQ score was 7 [IQR 5-11]. Postoperative erectile function was present in 7% of patients (mean IIEF-5 = 5 [IQR 2-7]). Thirteen patients (93%) were satisfied with their choice of neobladder. Conclusion RARC with totally intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer provides satisfactory urodynamic results and good QoL. These findings should be confirmed long-term.