Oncologic Outcomes for Robotic Vs. Open Radical Cystectomy Among Locally Advanced and Node-Positive Patients: Analysis of The National Cancer Database.

Introduction: Despite concerns of atypical recurrence following robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), utilization of the modality is increasing. The presumed mechanisms of peritoneal immunomodulation and pneumoperitoneum-induced tumor cell intravasation are especially relevant for higher stage, locally advanced disease, where intrinsic metastatic potential of tumor cells may be greater. This study aims to compare the oncologic outcomes and survival after RARC compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC) among patients with stage pT3-4 or node-positive muscle-invasive bladder cancer.