Robot-assisted radical cystectomy has steadily gained wider acceptance among urologists compared with open and laparoscopic approaches. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy has shown comparable perioperative and oncologic outcomes compared with open radical cystectomy. Nevertheless, data about the functional outcomes and quality of life after robot-assisted radical cystectomy remain limited. We sought to review the literature and describe urinary, sexual and bowel functions after robot-assisted radical cystectomy in addition to mental health and health-related quality of life. Despite limitations of the available literature, data suggests that functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy are comparable to open radical cystectomy. However, more studies utilizing standardized definitions are required.
Keywords: bladder cancer; continence; functional outcome; quality of life; robot-assisted cystectomy.
© 2021 The Japanese Urological Association.