Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: Recommendations from Latin American Experts Consensus on Surgical Strategy, Urinary Reconstruction, and Oncological and Func-tional Outcomes.
PURPOSE: To develop contemporary evidence-informed recommendations for robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), urinary reconstruction, and perioperative management, integrating current evidence with the experience of Latin American experts in uro-oncology and robotic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified Delphi consensus process was conducted involving 42 experts with extensive experience in RARC. Topics included patient selection, perioperative optimization, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), lymph node dissection, urinary reconstruction, functional preservation, perioperative systemic therapy, complex clinical scenarios, and emerging robotic technologies. A comprehensive literature review was performed using Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science through November 2025, following PRISMA principles and incorporating recommendations from EAU, AUA/ASCO/SUO, and NCCN guidelines. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. RESULTS: Consensus supported routine implementation of ERAS protocols, structured frailty and nutritional assessment, extended pelvic lymph node dissection, and perioperative systemic therapy in eligible patients. Intracorporeal urinary diversion was associated with improved recovery and lower wound-related morbidity. Nerve-sparing and organ-preserving approaches were recommended in selected patients to optimize continence, sexual function, and quality of life. Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction should be individualized according to oncologic safety, functional status, renal function, and patient preference. RARC was considered feasible in complex settings, including obesity, bulky lymphadenopathy, locally advanced disease, and salvage surgery, when performed in experienced high-volume centers. Areas without consensus included urinary drainage strategies and antibiotic prophylaxis duration. CONCLUSIONS: This expert consensus provides recommendations for RARC and urinary reconstruction, aiming to standardize practice, optimize perioperative care, and improve oncological and functional outcomes. Future prospective studies are needed.
Authors
- Ronald Kool (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7471-6456)
- Pedro Romanelli
- Roberto Machado
- Wiklund Pe
- Lucas Fornazieri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8645-9960)
- Matheus Nister
- Eliney Ferreira Faria (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8297-3417)
- Rodrigo Valente (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0871-0683)
- Fernando Korkes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4261-4345)
- Hamilton Zampoli
- Gustavo Guimarães
- M. Kerkebe
- Vaz Ca
- Rodrigo Gualberto
- Pablo de Melo
- René Sotelo
- Arnaldo Fazoli
- Flávio Carcano
- Matheus Paiva
- José Alexandre Pedrosa
- Alejandro Rodrigues
- Alexandre Pompeo
- Elias Bodden
- Marcio Moschovas
- Daher Chade
- Rafael Coelho
- Stenio Zequi
- Rafael Rocha
- Carlos Watanabe
- Rodolfo Borges
- Nilo Jorge
- Eder Brazão
- Francisco Hidelbrando
- Marcos Tobias-Machado
- Gilberto Almeida
- Reza Mehrazino
- Joan Palou
- Murilo Luz
- Sérgio Zacchi
- Vipul Patel
- Wenceslao Villamil
- Clovis Fraga
Institutions
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (CL)
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (BR)
- University of Southern California (US)
- Gaertner (United States) (US)
- Universidade de Ribeirão Preto (BR)
- Santa Casa Hospital (BR)
- Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (AR)
- AdventHealth Celebration (US)
- Hospital Punta Pacifica (PA)
- AC Camargo Hospital (BR)
- Real Hospital Português (BR)
- Hospital Madre Teresa (BR)
- Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (BR)
- Hospital de Câncer de Barretos (BR)
- Hospital Felício Rocho (BR)
- Mount Sinai Hospital (US)
- Hospital Erasto Gaertner (BR)
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (BR)
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória (BR)
- Hospital do Coração (BR)
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer - INCA (BR)
- Puigvert Foundation (ES)
- Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (BR)
- Hospital Sírio-Libanês (BR)
- Clinics Hospital of Ribeirão Preto (BR)
- Hospital Geral de Fortaleza (BR)
- Universidade Salvador (BR)
- Wake Forest University (US)
- University of Chile (CL)
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PubMed
- Published
- 2026-07-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2026.0413
- Primary Topic
- Bladder and Urothelial Cancer Treatments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00