Robotic cystectomy: its time has come.

摘要

Although the first laparoscopic cystectomy was reported in 1992, the technique has only gained widespread adoption in the last several years. The improvement in instrumentation and the diffusion of robotic assisted laparoscopic pelvic surgery have resulted in the publication of several large series of minimally invasive cystectomy. What remains to be seen is whether there is a significant benefit in regard to oncological efficacy, patient morbidity and/or health care costs. In the current issue of The Journal the group from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill addresses these concerns.