Success factors for abdominal wall diversions, including ureterocutaneostomy

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review the most recent data on urinary diversions (UD) surgical outcomes performed at time of radical cystectomy (RC).

Recent findings: Looking at the recent specific literature, the most recent factors introduced in the field of UDs are the preoperative assessment of patient's frailty and the use of the robotic system. According to the available evidence, frailty status is a good preoperative predictor of surgical outcomes and patient recovery. Several questionaries measuring patient's frailty status have been evaluated as a proxy to prevent RC complications and to improve the choice of the UDs.Robot-assisted RC has gained popularity and both continent and incontinent UD are now performed through an intra-corporeal technique. Studies on Robot-assisted UDs showed that both intra-corporeal and extra-corporeal approaches (ICUD and ECUD, respectively) are safe and feasible. Compared to the open techniques, they improve intraoperative blood loss and postoperative recovery. However, accessibility to the Da-Vinci System and the need of robotic skills limit the application of these techniques to high-volume institutes.

Summary: Patient's frailty status and the use of robotic surgery are the most recent factors introduced to improve the choice of UD and surgical outcomes.