Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy: Evaluation Of The Learning Curve

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 15 Jun 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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ORLANDO, FL (UroToday.com) - Chapel Hill investigators (abstract 994) evaluated their learning curve associated with RALRC.

They reviewed 33 patients undergoing RALRC with urinary diversion for clinically localized bladder cancer. They assessed outcomes according to the initial 1/3, second 1/3, and most recent 1/3; all groups had 11 patients. OR time and estimated blood loss decreased during their experience.

However, the mean age of the patients increased overtime, from 59 to 68 years, and the complication rate correspondingly increased from 18% to 36%. They speculated that their favorable experience with RALRC is in the setting of applying the technique to older patients with increasing morbidities.

Again, further clinical evaluation is warranted to confirm these initial observations.

Presented by Matthew Pearson, MD, et al., at the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) - May 17 - 22, 2008. Orange County Convention Center - Orlando, Florida, USA.

Reported by UroToday.com Contributing Editor Elspeth M. McDougall, MD, FRCSC

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