Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Cystoprostatectomy and Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion (Studer Pouch or Ileal Conduit) for Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in American men and almost 25% is muscle invasive at the time of diagnosis (Cancer Facts and Figures, 2009; Nieder et al., 2008). Currently, most effective local treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer and noninvasive, high-grade bladder tumors that recur or progress despite intravesical therapies is open radical cystoprostatectomy with urinary diversion (Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, 2010; Huang et al., 2007). With the advancement of technology, minimally invasive surgical approaches including laparoscopic (Huang et al., 2010; Guazzoni et al., 2003) or robotic-assisted laparoscopic (Akbulut et al., 2011; Rehman et al., 2011; Kauffman et al., 2011; Hellenthal et al., 2010; Kasraeian et al., 2010; Pruthi et al., 2010; Schumacher et al., 2009) cystectomies are increasingly being performed. This chapter summarizes the current state of the use of the surgical robot in performing radical cystoprostatectomy with urinary diversion in patients with bladder cancer.