Robotic-assisted surgery in high-risk surgical patients with endometrial cancer.

Many patients diagnosed with an endometrial cancer are at high-risk for surgery due to factors such as advanced age, raised body mass index or frailty. Minimally-invasive surgery, in particular robotic-assisted, is increasingly used in the surgical management of endometrial cancer however, there are a lack of clinical trials investigating outcomes in high-risk patient populations. This article will review the current evidence and identify areas of uncertainty where future research is needed.

Relevance of Uterine Weight for Predicting Surgical Complications in Minimally Invasive Benign Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To describe the uterine weight threshold for increasing risk of complications after a laparoscopic hysterectomy using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis using the American College of Surgeons NSQIP database from 2016 to 2021. SETTING: American College of Surgeons NSQIP database. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications (N = 64 289). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Uterine weight was entered in grams and 30-day complications were abstracted from patient charts. In the analytic sample, median uterine weight was 135 grams (interquartile range, 90-215) and 6% of patients (n = 4085) experienced complications. Uterine weight performed very poorly in predicting complications on bivariate analysis (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.54). On multivariable analysis, a uterine weight cutoff of 163 grams was associated with higher odds of complications (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.19; p = .003), but this threshold achieved only a 43% sensitivity and 62% specificity for predicting complications. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine weight alone possessed negligible utility for predicting the risk of perioperative complications in minimally invasive hysterectomy.

Trends in surgical approach to hysterectomy and perioperative outcomes in Michigan hospitals from 2010 through 2020.

The objective of this study was to determine the trends in surgical approach to hysterectomy over the last decade and compare perioperative outcomes and complications. This retrospective cohort study used clinical registry data from the Michigan Hospitals that participated in Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) from January 1st, 2010 through December 30th, 2020. A multigroup time series analysis was performed to determine how surgical approach to hysterectomy [open/TAH, laparoscopic (TLH/LAVH), and robotic-assisted (RA)] has changed over the last decade. Abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, pelvic mass, and endometrial cancer were the most common indications for hysterectomy. The open approach to hysterectomy declined from 32.6 to 16.9%, a 1.9-fold decrease, with an average decline of 1.6% per year (95% CI - 2.3 to - 0.9%). Laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomies decreased from 27.2 to 23.8%, a 1.5-fold decrease, with an average decrease of 0.1% per year (95% CI - 0.7 to 0.6%). Finally, the robotic-assisted approach increased from 38.3 to 49.3%, a 1.25-fold increase, with an average of 1.1% per year (95% CI 0.5 to 1.7%). For malignant cases, open procedures decreased from 71.4 to 26.6%, a 2.7-fold decrease, while RA-hysterectomy increased from 19.0 to 58.7%, a 3.1-fold increase. After controlling for the confounding variables age, race, and gynecologic malignancy, RA hysterectomy was found to have the lowest rate of complications when compared to the vaginal, laparoscopic and open approaches. Finally, after controlling for uterine weight, black patients were twice as likely to undergo an open hysterectomy compared to white patients.

Robotic-assisted Total Hysterectomy with Low Pneumoperitoneal Pressure (6 mmHg) and Use of Surgical Plume Evacuator System to Minimize Potential Airborne Particles According to the Joint Statement on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report from Japan.

We presented a case of uncontrolled genital bleeding caused by subserosal fibroid and treated by robotic-assisted hysterectomy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A 49-year-old woman had severe anemia with hypermenorrhea due to submucosal fibroid. Hysterectomy was deemed necessary to control genital bleeding. However, at that time, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has been increasing in Japan. Serious concerns have been raised about the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) dissemination during minimally invasive surgery due to pneumoperitoneum-associated aerosolization of particles. We tried to prevent the spread of surgical plume by performing surgery under low pneumoperitoneal pressure at 6 mmHg and by using an evacuation/filtration system. As a result, we successfully performed robotic-assisted hysterectomy with minimized risk of spreading surgical plume-containing aerosol particles into the operating room. It is essential to follow the guidelines issued by the relevant societies and act accordingly to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in medical settings while performing surgery. We hope that our experience will help prevent secondary cases of future SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications-surgical volume matters: a retrospective cohort study comparing complications of robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic hysterectomies.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of perioperative complications in robotic-assisted hysterectomies performed by high-volume robotic surgeons compared to conventional laparoscopic hysterectomies performed by all gynecologic surgeons. This retrospective cohort study was performed at a single-center community based hospital and medical center. A total of 332 patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications were included in this study. Half of these patients (n = 166) underwent conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy and the other half underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy. The main outcome measures included composite complication rate, estimated blood loss (EBL), and hospital length of stay (LOS). Median (IQR) EBL was significantly lower for robotic hysterectomy [22.5 (30) mL] compared to laparoscopic hysterectomy [100 (150) mL, p < 0.0001]. LOS was significantly shorter for robotic hysterectomy (1.0 ± 0.2 day) compared to laparoscopic hysterectomy (1.2 ± 0.7 days, p = 0.04). Despite averaging 3.0 (IQR 1.0) concomitant procedures compared to 0 (IQR 1.0) for the conventional laparoscopic hysterectomies, the incidence of any type of complication was lower in the robotic hysterectomy group (2 vs. 6%, p = 0.05). Finally, in a logistic regression model controlling for multiple confounders, robotic-assisted hysterectomy was less likely to result in a perioperative complication compared to traditional laparoscopic hysterectomy [odds ratio (95% CI) = 0.2 (0.1, 0.90), p = 0.04]. In conclusion, robotic-assisted hysterectomy may reduce complications compared with conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy when performed by high volume surgeons, especially in the setting of other concomitant gynecologic surgeries.

Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in the Reduction of Pain and Opioid Requirement in Laparoscopic and Robot-assisted Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis / Eficácia do bloqueio transverso do plano abdominal na redução da dor e da necessidade de opioides em histerectomia laparoscópica e assistida por robô: Uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

Abstract Objective To summarize the available evidence of TAP Block in efficacy in laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy. Data Sources We searched databases and gray literature for randomized controlled trials in which transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block was compared with placebo or with no treatment in patients who underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted hysterectomy. Method of Study Selection Two researchers independently evaluated the eligibility of the selected articles. Tabulation, Integration, and Results Seven studies were selected, involving 518 patients. Early postoperative pain showed a difference in the mean mean difference (MD): - 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 1.87-0.46) in pain scale scores (I2=68%), which was statistically significant in favor of using TAP block, but without clinical relevance; late postoperative pain: DM 0.001 (95%CI: - 0.43-0.44; I2=69%); opioid requirement: DM 0.36 (95%CI: - 0.94-1.68; I2=80%); and incidence of nausea and vomiting with a difference of 95%CI=- 0.11 (- 0.215-0.006) in favor of TAP. Conclusion With moderate strength of evidence, due to the high heterogeneity and imbalance in baseline characteristics among studies, the results indicate that TAP block should not be considered as a clinically relevant analgesic technique to improve postoperative pain in laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy, despite statistical significance in early postoperative pain scale scores. Clinical Trial Number and Registry: PROSPERO ID - CRD42018103573.

Resumo Objetivo Resumir as evidências disponíveis sobre a eficácia do bloqueio TAP em histerectomia laparoscópica ou robótica. Fontes de Dados Pesquisamos bancos de dados e literatura cinza por ensaios clínicos randomizados nos quais o bloqueio do plano transverso do abdome (TAP na sigla em inglês) foi comparado com placebo ou com nenhum tratamento em pacientes que foram submetidos a histerectomia laparoscópica ou assistida por robô. Métodos de Seleção de Estudos Dois pesquisadores avaliaram independentemente a elegibilidade dos artigos selecionados. Tabulação, Integração e Resultados Sete estudos foram selecionados envolvendo 518 pacientes. A dor pós-operatória precoce apresentou diferença nasmédias (DM) de: -1 17 (intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: - 1 87-0 46) nos escores da escala de dor (I2=68%) o que foi estatisticamente significativo a favor do uso do bloqueio TAP mas sem relevância clínica; dor pós-operatória tardia: DM 0001 (IC95%: - 043-044; I2=69%); necessidade de opioides: DM0 36 (95%CI: - 0 94-168; I2=80%); e incidência de náuseas e vômitos com diferença de 95% CI=- 011 (- 0215-0006) a favor do TAP. Conclusão Com moderada força de evidência devido à alta heterogeneidade e ao desequilíbrio nas características basais entre os estudos os resultados indicam que o bloqueio do TAP não deve ser considerado como uma técnica analgésica clinicamente relevante para melhorar a dor pós-operatória em histerectomia laparoscópica ou robótica apesar da significância estatística nas pontuações da escala de dor pósoperatória inicial. Número e Registro do Ensaio Clínico: PROSPERO ID - CRD42018103573.

Reducing the cost of robotic hysterectomy: assessing the safety and efficacy of using prograsp forceps in lieu of needle holder for vaginal cuff closure.

Robotic-assisted surgery is criticized for its high cost. As surgeons get more experienced in robotic surgery, modifications to existing techniques are tried to reduce surgical costs. Vaginal cuff closure using prograsp forceps in lieu of needle holder can be safe and cost-effective in patients undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomy. The objective of this study is to compare the safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of using prograsp forceps in lieu of needle holder for suturing the vaginal cuff after robotic-assisted hysterectomy. This was a single-institution retrospective review of patients who underwent robotic-assisted hysterectomy for benign and malignant conditions from October 2015 to August 2018. Patients were stratified based on whether prograsp forceps or needle holder was used for suturing vaginal cuff. Data obtained included demographic, surgical data, and postoperative outcomes. Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test were used to compare qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. 367 patients underwent robotic-assisted hysterectomies during this period. 75 patients belonged to the needle holder cohort; 292 patients had vaginal cuff closure using prograsp forceps. Vault closure time was comparable between the groups (6.4 vs. 6.6 p = 0.33). There were no significant differences in the postoperative vault-related complications between groups. There was no instrument damage in either group. Using prograsp saved 220 USD in instrument-related charges. This study shows that using prograsp in lieu of needle holder for suturing is safe, there is no increase in operative time or complications, and there is a cost advantage.

Prolapsed epiploica of bowel after robotic hysterectomy: A case report.

PURPOSE: Vaginal cuff dehiscence with evisceration was defined as expulsion of intraperitoneal organs through the separated incision. Prolapsed epiploica of the colon is a rare complication after hysterectomy. The most common organ to prolapsed out from the dehiscence vaginal cuff is terminal ileum. We reported the first known case of prolapsed epiploica of the colon after robotic hysterectomy. CASE: This is a case who had prolapse of a vaginal tumor after sexual intercourse 5 months after robotic hysterectomy. Vaginal tumor resection and primary closure were performed successfully without complications. The final pathology revealed fat prolapse with foreign body reaction and confirmed prolapse of epiploica of the colon. Being aware of the risk factors and patients who are more likely to develop this complication is essential in making the correct diagnosis in time. MAJOR CONCLUSION: Patients with a higher risk of vaginal cuff dehiscence are advised to avoid sexual activity for a longer period of time. Surgical intervention is the primary treatment. Prolapsed epiploica of the colon should be kept in mind for those who have undergone hysterectomy in order to provide appropriate treatment in time.

Metabolic and inflammatory responses and subsequent recovery in robotic versus abdominal hysterectomy: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Surgery causes inflammatory and metabolic responses in the body. The aim of the study was to investigate whether robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy induces less insulin resistance than abdominal hysterectomy, and to compare inflammatory response and clinical recovery between the two techniques. METHODS: A randomised controlled study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Örebro University Hospital, Sweden. Twenty women scheduled for a planned total hysterectomy with or without salpingo-oophorectomy between October 2014 and May 2015, were randomly allocated to robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy or abdominal hysterectomy. Insulin resistance after surgery was measured by the hyperinsulinemic normoglycaemic clamp method, inflammatory response measured in blood samples, and clinical recovery outcomes registered. RESULTS: There were no differences in development of insulin resistance between the robotic group and the abdominal group (mean ± SD: 39% ± 22 vs. 40% ± 19; p = 0.948). The robotic group had a significantly shorter hospital stay (median 1 vs. 2 days; p = 0.005). Inflammatory reaction differed; in comparison to the robotic group, the abdominal group showed significantly higher increases in serum interleukin 6 levels, white blood cell count and cortisol from preoperative values to postoperative peak values. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic laparoscopic surgery reduced inflammatory responses and recovery time, but these changes were not accompanied by decreased insulin resistance. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no NCT02291406.

Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy for Uterine Leiomyomas: A Comparison of Complications and Costs.

OBJECTIVE: Robotic surgery is increasingly being used for treatment of malignant and benign gynaecologic diseases. The purpose of our study is to compare patient perioperative complications and costs of laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted hysterectomy for uterine leiomyomas. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from the United States was conducted, comparing patients who underwent robotic-assisted hysterectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy (total laparoscopic hysterectomy and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy) for uterine fibroids between 2008 and 2012. Baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups, and logistic regression was used to compare postoperative outcomes between laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Direct costs were compared between the two groups using linear regression models. RESULTS: Over a five-year period, the total number of hysterectomies performed increased. Patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy were older and had more comorbidities. In adjusted analyses, women who underwent robotic surgery were more likely to have respiratory failure (0.71% vs. 0.39%; P < 0.0108), postoperative fever (1.05% vs. 0.67%, P < 0.0002), and ileus (1.76% vs. 1.3%; P < 0.0060), and less likely to require transfusions (3.4% vs. 3.96%; P < 0.0037). Robotic surgery was consistently more expensive, with a median cost of $33 928.00 compared with $23 753.00 for laparoscopic hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: While there are only slight differences in postoperative complications between laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy and robotic-assisted hysterectomy, robotic-assisted hysterectomy is associated with considerably greater direct costs. Unless specific indications for robotic-assisted hysterectomy exist, laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy should be the preferred approach for minimally invasive surgical treatment of leiomyomas.

Cost effectiveness of preoperative screening for healthy patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy.

The objective of this study was to determine whether routine preoperative type and screen blood testing is cost effective and medically warranted for benign diagnosis in healthy patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy. The study was designed as a cross sectional retrospective descriptive study. Four hundred and twenty two medical records of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Classifications I and II patients undergoing robotically-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy between 1 June 2011 and 31 May 2014 at a 211 bed regional medical center were analysed. The results from this study paralleled the findings of other published research. Preoperative type and screen testing was performed on 249 (59%) of the patients in the study. Ten patients (2.4% of the group) converted to open laparotomy. Mean estimated blood loss was 59.59ml. No perioperative transfusions were required. The results indicate that preoperative type and screen testing is not warranted for patients meeting the inclusion criteria.

Robotic-assisted hysterectomy: patient selection and perspectives.

Minimally invasive hysterectomy via the laparoscopic or vaginal approach is beneficial to patients when compared with laparotomy, but has not been offered in the past to all women because of the technical difficulties and the long learning curve required for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Robotic-assisted hysterectomy for benign indications may allow for a shorter learning curve but does not offer clear advantages over conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy in terms of surgical outcomes. In addition, robotic hysterectomy is invariably associated with increased costs. Nevertheless, this surgical approach has been widely adopted by gynecologic surgeons. The aim of this review is to describe specific indications and patients who may benefit from robotic-assisted hysterectomy. These include hysterectomy for benign conditions in cases with high surgical complexity (such as pelvic adhesive disease and endometriosis), hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy for treatment of endometrial carcinoma, and obese patients. In the future, additional evidence regarding the benefits of single-site robotic hysterectomy may further modify the indications for robotic-assisted hysterectomy.

Pedagogic Approach in the Surgical Learning: The First Period of "Assistant Surgeon" May Improve the Learning Curve for Laparoscopic Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hysterectomy is the most frequent surgery done with robotic assistance in the world and has been widely studied since its emergence. The surgical outcomes of the robotic hysterectomy are similar to those obtained with other minimally invasive hysterectomy techniques (laparoscopic and vaginal) and appear as a promising surgical technique in gynecology surgery. The aim of this study was to observe the learning curve of robot-assisted hysterectomy in a French surgical center, and was to evaluate the impact of the surgical mentoring. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the data from the files of the robot-assisted hysterectomies with the Da Vinci® Surgical System performed between March 2010 and June 2014 at the Foch hospital in Suresnes (France). We first studied the operative time according to the number of cases, independently of the surgeon to determine two periods: the initial learning phase (Phase 1) and the control of surgical skills phase (Phase 2). The phase was defined by mastering the basic surgical tasks. Secondarily, we compared these two periods for operative time, blood losses, body mass index (BMI), days of hospitalizations, and uterine weight. We, finally, studied the difference of the learning curve between an experimented surgeon (S1) who practiced first the robot-assisted hysterectomies and a less experimented surgeon (S2) who first assisted S1 and then operated on his own patients. RESULTS: A total of 154 robot-assisted hysterectomies were analyzed. Twenty procedures were necessary to access to the control of surgical skills phase. There was a significant decrease of the operative time between the learning phase (156.8 min) compared to the control of surgical skills phase (125.8 min, p = 0.003). No difference between these two periods for blood losses, BMI, days of hospitalizations and uterine weight was demonstrated. The learning curve of S1 showed 20 procedures to master the robot-assisted hysterectomies with a significant decrease of the operative time, while the learning curve of S2 showed no improvement in operative time with respect to case number. CONCLUSION: Twenty robot-assisted hysterectomies are necessary to achieve control of surgical skills. The companionship to learn robotic surgery seems also promising, by improving the learning phase for this surgical technique.

Multicenter analysis comparing robotic, open, laparoscopic, and vaginal hysterectomies performed by high-volume surgeons for benign indications.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcomes between robotic-assisted benign hysterectomies and abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic hysterectomies when performed by high-volume surgeons. METHODS: A multicenter data analysis compared 30-day outcomes from consecutive robotic-assisted hysterectomies performed by high-volume surgeons (≥60 prior procedures) at nine centers with records retrieved from the Premier Perspective database for abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic hysterectomies performed by high-volume gynecologic surgeons. Data on benign hysterectomy disorders from January 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013 were included. RESULTS: Data from 2300 robotic-assisted, 9745 abdominal, 8121 vaginal, and 11 952 laparoscopic hysterectomies were included. The robotic-assisted patient cohort had a significantly higher rate of adhesive disease compared with the vaginal (P<0.001) and laparoscopic cohorts (P<0.001), a significantly higher rate of morbid obesity than the vaginal (P<0.001) or laparoscopic cohorts (P<0.001), and a significantly higher rate of large uteri (>250g) than the abdominal (P<0.001), vaginal (P<0.001), or laparoscopic cohorts (P=0.017). The robotic-assisted cohort experienced significantly fewer intraoperative complications than the abdominal (P<0.001) and vaginal cohorts (P<0.001), and experienced significantly fewer postoperative complications compared with all the comparator cohorts (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: When performed by gynecologic surgeons with relevant high-volume experience, robotic-assisted benign hysterectomy provided improved outcomes compared with abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic hysterectomy.

The impact of robotics on the mode of benign hysterectomy and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The impact of robotics on benign hysterectomy surgical approach, clinical outcomes, and learning curve is still unclear. METHODS: Review of abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic cases in 156 US hospitals in the Premier Research Database. RESULTS: Of 289 875 hysterectomies, abdominal cases decreased from 2005-2010 (60-33%) and minimally invasive approaches increased (40-67%). Conversion rates were: 0.04% for vaginal, 2.5% for robotic, and 7.2% for laparoscopy (P < 0.001). Robotic surgery time was longest (3.4 h vs. 2.2 vaginal, 2.5 abdominal, 2.7 laparoscopy, P < 0.001). Robotic complication rate was lowest (14.8% vs. 16.2% vaginal, 18.6% laparoscopy, 28.9% abdominal, P < 0.001). Hospital stay was longer following abdominal surgery (3.5 days vs. 1.8 robotic, 1.9 vaginal, 1.8 laparoscopy, P < 0.001). Robotic surgery times and conversion and complication rates improved with experience (2.8 h, 2%, and 13.9%, respectively), even with increasing complexity. CONCLUSIONS: Robotics was successfully incorporated without jeopardizing patient outcomes and increased the overall use of minimally invasive approaches.

Development and implementation results of an interactive computerized surgical checklist for robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery.

To address surgical complications, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Safe Surgery Saves Lives Checklist. With the foundation of the WHO's checklist, a robotic-specific checklist (RORCC) was developed using standardized content and face validity methods. The RORCC was implemented in a high volume gynecological (GYN) specialty group using minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. Data were abstracted from patients undergoing GYN procedures from four GYN surgeons at an urban, community hospital during November 16, 2010 to May 15, 2011 (pre-RORCC) n = 89 and from the period May 16, 2011 to November 16 2011 (post-RORCC) n = 121. Thirty-day readmissions pre-checklist and post-checklist were 12 and 5, respectively, which is a significant (p = 0.02) reduction. The duration of surgery was not significantly affected (p = 0.40) with pre-RORCC surgery time at 110.1 (35.7) min versus post-RORCC surgery time at 112.9 (37.4) min. This study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating an electronic, interactive, and robotic-specific checklist for gynecologic robotic-assisted surgery which resulted in a significant reduction in readmissions at the 30-day without significantly impacting operating room times.

The feasibility and safety of same-day discharge after robotic-assisted hysterectomy alone or with other procedures for benign and malignant indications.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the feasibility and safety of same-day discharge after robotic-assisted hysterectomy. METHODS: Same-day discharge after robotic-assisted hysterectomy was initiated 07/2010. All cases from then through 12/2012 were captured for quality assessment monitoring. The distance from the hospital to patients' homes was determined using http://maps.google.com. Procedures were categorized as simple (TLH+/-BSO) or complex (TLH+/-BSO with sentinel node mapping, pelvic and/or aortic nodal dissection, appendectomy, or omentectomy). Urgent care center (UCC) visits and readmissions within 30days of surgery were captured, and time to the visit was determined from the initial surgical date. RESULTS: Same-day discharge was planned in 200 cases. Median age was 52years (range, 30-78), BMI was 26.8kg/m(2) (range, 17.4-56.8), and ASA was class 2 (range, 1-3). Median distance traveled was 31.5miles (range, 0.2-149). Procedures were simple in 109 (55%) and complex in 91 (45%) cases. The indication for surgery was: endometrial cancer (n=82; 41%), ovarian cancer (n=5; 2.5%), cervical cancer (n=8; 4%), and non-gynecologic cancer/benign (n=105; 53%). One hundred fifty-seven (78%) had successful same-day discharge. Median time for discharge for these cases was 4.8h (range, 2.4-10.3). Operative time, case ending before 6pm, and use of intraoperative ketorolac were associated with successful same-day discharge. UCC visits occurred in 8/157 (5.1%) same-day discharge cases compared to 5/43 (11.6%) requiring admission (P=.08). Readmission was necessary in 4/157 (2.5%) same-day discharge cases compared to 3/43 (7.0%) requiring admission (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Same-day discharge after robotic-assisted hysterectomy for benign and malignant conditions is feasible and safe.

Outcomes of obese versus non-obese subjects undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomy: a multi-institutional study.

The goal of our study was to determine whether there was a difference in operative outcomes in obese versus non-obese subjects undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomies of varying levels of difficulty. Secondarily, we sought to analyze the published outcomes between robotic-assisted hysterectomy and total laparoscopic hysterectomy in obese women at each of these levels of difficulty. This was a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomy by five gynecologic oncologists at four geographically separate locations from April 2003 to March 2008. The cohort was stratified into obese vs. non-obese groups, and defined surgical outcomes compared between groups, then further divided into three subgroups based on case difficulty level. Univariate analysis and regression analysis using SAS 9.1 was performed. We then conducted a literature search of total laparoscopic hysterectomy outcomes in obese women, dividing the resulting studies into three comparative subgroups based on surgical difficulty levels for comparison with our robotic-assisted hysterectomy results. Our cohort had 228 obese and 323 non-obese subjects. Overall, the obese group had higher blood loss and longer operative time. When further stratified by level of difficulty, obese subjects also had a higher average blood loss and longer operative time in the hysterectomy-alone subgroup. No clinically significant differences in operative outcomes exist between obese and non-obese women when utilizing the da Vinci robotic system to perform a hysterectomy, independent of case difficulty level. More prospective, controlled studies which compare the two surgical approaches of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic hysterectomy approaches are needed.

Robotic-assisted hysterectomy in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

There are several articles in the literature reporting laparoscopic surgery in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs). Although the majority of these conclude that a pneumoperitoneum in these patients is safe, there are other reports indicating possible complications of the insufflation. This is the first known report of a robotic-assisted hysterectomy performed on a patient with a VPS and the management of the shunt during the procedure.

Leukocytosis after robotic hysterectomy: commonly observed but clinically insignificant.

Laboratory studies are commonly performed after surgery, but with little evidence of clinical utility. We evaluated our experience with measuring a complete blood count (CBC) to determine peripheral blood leukocyte count (WBC) postoperatively following consecutive robotic hysterectomies. From January 2008 through November 2009, two surgeons (KM, HM) performed 204 robotic hysterectomies. Patient age, weight, height, indication for surgery, surgical procedure, operative time, estimated blood loss, hospital length of stay, postoperative fever, and complications were prospectively recorded and correlated with WBC measured on the day after surgery. The postoperative WBC was elevated (>11,000/µl) in 59/204 (29%) patients. Eight (4%) patients had marked leukocytosis (WBC >15,000/µl; maximum 16,600/µl). There was no correlation between postoperative leukocytosis and operative time, BMI, performance of lymphadenectomy, or length of hospitalization. The only factor significantly associated with elevated postoperative WBC was elevated preoperative WBC (P < .001). Also, there was no correlation between postoperative leukocytosis with fever or infectious complications. The mean T max was 37.1ºC and T max over 38ºC was seen in nine patients. Of the five women who developed infectious complications, only one (diagnosed with pneumonia) had a minimally elevated postoperative WBC (11,600/µl); the other four (pneumonia and pelvic abscess, two each) had normal postoperative WBC. Routine measurement of WBC after robotic hysterectomy is not useful. In about 25% of cases there will be a slight leukocytosis, and rarely (about 4%) will the WBC exceed 15,000/µl. In no case was measurement of postoperative WBC clinically relevant.