For cystectomies, robots prove ineffective

MedPage Today reports that a randomized trial comparing robotic with open cystectomy ended early, because an interim analysis showed the minimally invasive approach did not reduce complications. When the trial ended, 62 percent of patients in the open cystectomy arm had grade 2-5 complications in the first 90 days after surgery, and there wasn't much of a difference in the robotic cystecomy arm--61 percent had the same types of complications.

"This study demonstrates that well-designed randomized, controlled trials of new surgical technologies are possible and should be strongly encouraged to better answer important clinical questions," Vincent P. Laudone, M.D., of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, said during a presentation of the findings at the American Urological Association meeting, according to MedPage Today. Article