Minimally invasive versus open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive radical cystectomy (MIRC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC) for bladder cancer. Methods We searched the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of MIRC versus ORC in the treatment of bladder cancer. Results Eight articles describing nine RCTs (803 patients) were analyzed. No significant differences were found between MIRC and ORC in two oncologic outcomes: the recurrence rate and mortality. Additionally, no significant differences were found in three pathologic outcomes: lymph node yield, positive lymph nodes, and positive surgical margins. With respect to perioperative outcomes, however, MIRC showed a significantly longer operating time, less estimated blood loss, lower blood transfusion rate, shorter time to regular diet, and shorter length of hospital stay than ORC. The incidence of complications was similar between the two techniques. We found no statistically significant differences in the above outcomes between robot-assisted radical cystectomy and ORC or between laparoscopic radical cystectomy and ORC with the exception of the complication rate. Conclusions MIRC is an effective and safe surgical approach in the treatment of bladder cancer. However, a large-scale multicenter RCT is needed to confirm these findings.