Robotic cystectomy

Robotic-assisted cystectomy is a minimally invasive bladder surgery with the same cancer removal success as open surgery. During it, robotically trained urology surgeons remove the bladder and redirect the urinary tract using a surgical robot.

Your surgeon controls the robotic instruments during surgery. Doctors see inside the body with a special camera and a computer.

The robot’s arms can move and maneuver in ways that human hands can’t. They’re also small and thin, allowing doctors to operate without large incisions. The robotic instruments are steady and precise, eliminating even the tiniest unwanted movements.

Traditional cystectomy requires larger incisions so the surgeon’s hands can fit inside. But robotic cystectomy is less invasive, using smaller incisions with thin, precise robotic tools. Smaller incisions and the steady movements of the robot help lower the risk of complications.

Doctors often treat MIBC with radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (reconstruction of the urinary tract). During a radical cystectomy, doctors remove the bladder, some lymph nodes and part of the urethra (tube where urine exits the body). They may also remove some nearby organs like the prostate or uterus.

Doctors traditionally performed cystectomy as an open surgery. But with a large incision, open cystectomy surgery had high complication rates.

Robotic bladder removal surgery has similar cure rates to open surgery without the complications. Patients who are eligible for robotic cystectomy experience:

• Less blood loss and pain: With smaller incisions, surgery is easier on your body. You have less bleeding during surgery and shouldn’t experience the pain of a large incision in the belly.
• More precision: Robotic assistance gives our surgeons the ability to perform the most precise, delicate movements. This helps prevent damage to healthy tissue while they remove the tumor’s tissue and surrounding margins (borders).
• Shorter recoveries: With smaller incisions, patients undergoing robotic surgery usually recover quickly. Most people can return to work and normal activities within three weeks.

Our robotically trained surgeons are among the most experienced in the world. With our program, you receive:

• Comprehensive cancer care: Our urology surgeons provide complete bladder cancer care with our Penn Medicine oncology colleagues. Together, they create a treatment plan that covers all your needs, so you don’t have to go elsewhere for care. Learn more about bladder cancer treatment.
• Robotic surgery expertise: At Penn Medicine, our urologists were early adopters of robotic surgery for the treatment of bladder cancer. We recognized its benefits and began performing robotic cystectomies in 2008. With an experienced surgeon and robust robotic program, you have a lower risk of complications and higher chance of a successful result.
• Continent urinary diversion options: With continent urinary diversion, you don’t wear an ostomy bag outside your body. Instead, you have a pouch inside that collects urine. Our urological surgeons are highly experienced in neobladder reconstruction, the most advanced continent urinary diversion option. With this procedure, our surgeons create a new bladder that allows you to urinate more normally. We combine urinary diversion with cystectomy in one minimally invasive procedure.
• Personalized treatment plan: Cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, so we’re here to help. Our team of experts creates a customized care plan for you, so you know what to expect at every step.