To compare oncologic endpoints between open radical cystectomy (ORC) and robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion (eRARC) or intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC).

Retrospective review of all patients undergoing curative-intent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion for urothelial bladder cancer at a single-institution from 2010-2018. Primary outcomes included recurrence location and rates, recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Survival estimates were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank analysis. Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify predictors of survival.

265, 366 and 285 patients underwent ORC, eRARC, and iRARC, respectively (n = 916). Median follow-up was 52, 40 and 37 months for ORC, eRARC and iRARC, respectively (P < 0.001). Ileal conduit was more commonly performed in iRARC (85%, P < 0.001). Neobladder rates did not vary. Neoadjuvant (p=0.4) or adjuvant therapy use (P = 0.36), pT-stage (P = 0.28) or pN-stage (P = 0.1) did not differ. Positive soft tissue margin rates were higher in ORC (7.2%-ORC, 3.6%-eRARC, 3.2%-iRARC, P = 0.041). Differences in recurrence rates or location were not observed. Surgical approach was not associated with any survival endpoint on proportional-hazards or Kaplan-Meier analysis. Hazard ratios and 95% CI for RFS were 1 (0.72-14) and 0.93 (0.66-1.3) for eRARC and iRARC, respectively, when compared to ORC as the referent.

These findings from a large, single-institution in conjunction with randomized-controlled trial data suggest that RARC does not compromise perioperative or long-term oncologic outcomes when compared to ORC.