Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy and diverticulectomy: initial experience of four cases.

Objective: We report our initial experience with four cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy and diverticulectomy performed between June 2005 and August 2007.

Methods: The series consisted of three male patients and one female with a mean age of 64 years (range 36-77 years). In each case, a transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used to mobilize the bladder. Next the bladder lesion was scored circumferentially cystoscopically with a Collings knife. The remainder of the excision and bladder reconstruction was performed with the da Vinci robot.

Results: Mean operative time was 194 minutes with a mean blood loss of 35 mL. The urethral catheter was removed between 5 and 14 days following a normal cystogram. There were no significant complications. Postoperative hospital stay was 2 to 3 days.

Conclusions: Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy and diverticulectomy are technically feasible and represent an alternative to open and conventional laparoscopic approaches.