The influence of the console surgeon on the feasibility and outcome of various robot-assisted surgeries has been evaluated. These variables may be partially affected by the skills of the patient-side surgeon (PSS), but this has not been evaluated using objective data. This study aimed to describe the surgical techniques of the PSS in robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) urinary diversion and objectively examine the changes in surgical outcomes with increasing PSS experience. During a 3-year period, 28 men underwent RARC and ICIC urinary diversion. Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between patients who underwent surgery early (first half group) or late in the study period (second half group). The pre-docking incision enabled easy specimen removal. The glove port technique widened the working space of the PSS. The stay suture allowed the PSS to control the distal portion of the conduit, facilitating the passage of the ureteral stents. During stoma creation, pneumoperitoneum pressure was lost by opening the abdominal cavity. To overcome this problem, the robotic arm was used to lift the abdominal wall to maintain the surgical field and facilitate the PSS procedure. Compared with the first half group, the second half group had significantly shorter times for urinary diversion (202 min vs 148 min, p < 0.001), ileal isolation and anastomosis (73 min vs 45 min, p < 0.001), and stenting (23.0 min vs 6.5 min, p < 0.001). As the experience of the PSS increased, the time of the PSS procedures decreased.

Background Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and intracorporeal urinary diversion are less invasive than conventional procedures. However, for older patients, cutaneous ureterostomy (CUS) may be preferred because urinary diversion using the intestine has a high incidence of perioperative complications and is highly invasive. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) compared with CUS in patients aged 75 years or older who underwent RARC. Methods From October 2014 to December 2021, 82 patients aged 75 years or older who underwent RARC at Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital, or Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 52 and 25 patients who underwent ICIC and CUS, respectively, were included. After adjusting the patients’ characteristics using propensity score-matching, surgical results and prognoses were retrospectively compared. The propensity score was based on age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale (ECOG-PS), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA-PS), clinical tumor stage, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results The median age was lower in the ICIC group compared with the CUS group, and the proportion of high-risk cases (ECOG-PS ≥ 2 or ASA-PS ≥ 3) did not differ. The median operation time was longer in the ICIC group, and estimated blood loss was higher, compared with the CUS group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications within the first 30 postoperative days, incidence of complications 30–90 days after surgery, 2-year overall survival, 2-year cancer-specific survival, and 2-year recurrence-free survival. The stent-free rate was significantly lower in the CUS group than that in the ICIC group. Conclusion In older patients, the ICIC group showed non-inferior surgical and oncological outcomes compared with the CUS group. Urinary diversion following RARC in older patients should be carefully selected by considering not only the age but also the general condition (including comorbidities) of the patient.

Introduction Vaginal reconstruction using the posterior vaginal wall is required following radical cystectomy in women with resection of the uterus, adnexa, and anterior vaginal wall. Roll closure and clamshell closure are two widely known techniques. Of these, clamshell closure is recommended because roll closure has a high likelihood of breakdown or a resultant canal that is too narrow for sexual intercourse. In clamshell closure, however, folding the posterior vaginal wall anteriorly can be difficult. Therefore, we devised Mercedes‐Benz closure, in which the vaginal wall is sutured from three directions to form a Mercedes‐Benz shape, for anastomosis without tension on the vaginal wall. The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy of this alternative surgical technique for vaginal reconstruction. Methods Twenty‐six patients who underwent vaginal reconstruction following robot‐assisted radical cystectomy were divided into two groups: 15 underwent clamshell closure and 11 underwent Mercedes‐Benz closure. The patients' characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics, including age, body mass index, and prior abdominal surgery between the two groups. The median vaginal reconstruction time tended to be longer in the Mercedes‐Benz closure group than in the clamshell closure group (35.0 vs. 27.0 min, p = 0.102). No complications associated with vaginal reconstruction were identified. Conclusion The surgical outcomes were comparable between Mercedes‐Benz closure and clamshell closure. If vaginal reconstruction with clamshell closure is difficult, Mercedes‐Benz closure is a valuable alternative technique.

Introduction: Ureteral stent placement in robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit formation (RICIC) is more challenging than extracorporeal urinary diversion. We developed a novel dedicated device called the Assistent guide for safe and smooth performance of ureteral stent placement by the patient-side surgeon (PSS).Methods: This study reviewed the clinical records of 59 patients underwent RICIC with a total of 110 ureteral stent placements: 59 stents were placed using the Assistent guide, and 51 stents were placed using a suction tip. Results:The stenting time was significantly shorter in the Assistent guide group than in the suction tip group. Even for beginners, the stenting time was significantly shorter. The PSSs' satisfaction score was significantly higher in the Assistent guide group. No complications associated with ureteral stent placement occurred. Conclusions:We showed the safety and efficacy of the Assistent guide for ureteral stent placement in RICIC.

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