Robot-Assisted Intracorporeal Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder: Description of the “Shell” Technique

Background: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal neobladder (ICNB) remains a very complicated, technically demanding and time-consuming surgical procedure. In the current study we describe our robot-assisted intracorporeal “Shell” neobladder reconstruction. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2019, we performed 30 intracorporeal ileal neobladder “Shell” reconstructions. We prospectively collected demographics and clinical and pathological data and retrospectively analysed perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes. Results: No conversion to open surgery or intraoperative blood transfusion was necessary. The median whole operative time was 493 min (IQR 433–530 min), ranging from 514 min (IQR 502–554 min) recorded during the first ten procedures to 470 min (IQR 442–503 min) of the last ten. The median estimated blood loss was 400 mL (IQR 350–700 mL). The median length of stay was 11 days (IQR 10–17). Both early and late complication rates were 46.7%. The high-grade early complication rate accounted for 20%, while the high-grade late complication rate was 30%. The daytime continence rate registered was 73.3%, while night-time continence rate was 60%. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated “Shell” neobladder reconstruction as a technically feasible procedure, with good functional outcomes in tertiary referral centre. Longer follow-up and larger populations are needed to validate these preliminary results.