Bioavailability of the tumor necrosis factor alpha/regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) biosystem inside the gestational sac during the pre-immune stages of embryo development.

OBJECTIVES: In-vivo studies of the bioavailability of major components of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) biosystem inside the gestational sac during embryogenesis have not been reported. We sought to determine the concentration of TNFα, soluble (s) TNFα receptors (sTNFR1, sTNFR2), and RANTES in the primate extraembryonic celomic fluid (ECF). METHODS: A validated timed-pregnant baboon animal model (N: 10) for experimental research in pregnancy was used to collect paired maternal blood and ECF samples in ongoing pregnancies. The concentrations (pg/dL) of TNFα, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and RANTES were then determined by ELISA immunoassays. RESULTS: All animals delivered at term healthy newborns. The differential concentration of TNFα, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and RANTES between the maternal plasma and the ECF could be determined with ratios for TNFα (5.4), sTNFR2 (1.85) and RANTES (3.59) that contrasted with that of sTNFR1 (0.07), which favored the gestational sac compartment. No significant correlations were noted between maternal plasma and ECF TNFR1, sTNFR2 and RANTES. There was a trend for a correlation between TNFα in maternal plasma and ECF (R=0.74; p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: We report the physiological concentrations of TNFα, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and RANTES in extraembryonic celomic fluid during embryogenesis in primates.

Oncologic outcomes in older women with endometrial carcinoma (≥70 years).

Data are limited in the management of elderly women with endometrial cancer as they are under-represented in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of women ≥70 years who underwent hysterectomy. One hundred and twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age among the cohort was 75 years (range: 70-91), and 52% underwent robotic surgery. The five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 67%. The five-year cumulative incidence of recurrence was 19%. Based on univariate analysis, white race, lower ASA score, higher pre-operative and post-operative haematocrit, lower estimated blood loss, stage I and robotic surgery were associated with improved OS. On multivariable analysis, ASA score, preoperative haematocrit, estimated blood loss and stage were associated with survival.Survival rates among older women were low and disease recurrence was high. Robotic surgery was safe and appeared to improve perioperative outcomes in older women with endometrial cancer.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecologic cancer with an overall survival above 90%. Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment. With an ageing population, an increased incidence of endometrial cancer is also expected. Increased frailty and comorbid conditions may prevent this population from undergoing surgery; consequently, these patients are often undertreated for a potentially curable disease.What do the results of this study add? Older women with endometrial cancer have low survival rates and high disease recurrence rates. Elderly women can tolerate robotic surgery to reduce the risk of adverse events.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It is important to develop best practices to optimise patients for minimally invasive surgery. The benefits of robotic surgery may encourage patients and surgeons to partake in this approach. A multidisciplinary approach with geriatric evaluation may improve post-operative care and survival. Future clinical trials should include elderly women.

Survival analysis of robotic versus traditional laparoscopic surgical staging for endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the survival of women with endometrial cancer managed by robotic- and laparoscopic-assisted surgery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study conducted at 2 academic centers. Primary outcomes were overall survival, disease-free survival (DFS), and disease recurrence. RESULTS: From 2003 through 2010, 415 women met the study criteria. A total of 183 women had robotic and 232 women had laparoscopic-assisted surgery. Both groups were comparable in age, body mass index, comorbid conditions, histology, surgical stage, tumor grade, total nodes retrieved, and adjuvant therapy. With a median follow-up of 38 months (range, 4-61 months) for the robotic and 58 months (range, 4-118 months) for the traditional laparoscopic group, there were no significant differences in survival (3-year survival 93.3% and 93.6%), DFS (3-year DFS 83.3% and 88.4%), and tumor recurrence (14.8% and 12.1%) for robotic and laparoscopic groups, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that surgery is not an independent prognostic factor of survival. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted surgery yields equivalent oncologic outcomes when compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery for endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Does the type of surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer affect the rate of reported lymphovascular space invasion in final pathology specimens?

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), which usually involves the use of an intrauterine manipulator for optimal surgical control, has been shown to be as effective and safe as conventional total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) for the staging of endometrial carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of an intrauterine manipulator was associated with an increase in the pathologic reporting of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), which is an important determinant in choosing adjuvant therapy. We hypothesized that intracavitary manipulation and an increase of the intrauterine pressure could cause pseudolymphovascular invasion. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective chart review of endometrial cancer patients treated at our institution from January 1996 through January 2006. Records were reviewed for patient's age, preoperative diagnosis, procedure type, final surgical staging, and final pathology report. Using the 2009 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging, we included all patients having stage IA or IB endometrioid-type endometrial cancer who had undergone either a TAH or LAVH with or without pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection. The χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to measure the association between risk of positive lymphovascular invasion and surgical groups. RESULTS: Of 568 women identified as having endometrioid-type endometrial cancer, 486 (85.6%) met criteria for stage IA-IB endometrioid histology, grade 1, 2, or 3. LVSI was reported in 553/568 cases, with LVSI positivity in 16.9% (n = 96/568). The mean ages of the LAVH and TAH groups were significantly different (59.4 vs 62.4 years, respectively, P = .0050). Also, mean estimated blood loss and uterine weight significantly varied between TAH and LAVH groups (P = .0001 and .008, respectively). For stage IA, 17/220 (7.7%) who had been treated with LAVH had positive LVSI compared with 20/199 (10.1%) of patients receiving TAH (P = .73). For stage IB, 11/25 (44.0%) of patients treated with LAVH had positive LVSI compared with 10/31 (32.3%) of patients receiving TAH (P = .53). The stage I cancer patients were further subdivided into histological grades 1, 2, and 3, and LVSI was not significantly different between TAH and LAVH groups per grade of cancer. We found no differences between TAH and LAVH in early-stage endometrial cancer (stage IA and IB), with respect to the presence of positive peritoneal washings. CONCLUSION: In early-stage endometrial cancer (stage IA and IB), there were no differences between TAH and LAVH in the final pathologic report of LVSI. The use of an intrauterine manipulator for LAVH was not associated with an increased detection of LVSI.

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) syndrome in a young patient presenting with a large uterus: A case report and review of the literature.

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by a germline mutation in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene. It is clinically characterized by cutaneous leiomyomas, uterine leiomyomas and renal cell cancer. A 31-year-old woman presented with severe abdominopelvic pain associated with severe menorrhagia which required a visit to the emergency department. Computed tomography (CT) showed a severe enlargement of the uterus with newly diagnosed fibroids. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the finding of an enlarged uterus with mild left and moderate right hydronephrosis and hydroureter. The patient tried to manage the pain with oral over-the-counter medications and heat pads without significant relief. She was recommended to proceed with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy. She tolerated the procedure well and had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Pathology showed morphologic features, including the staghorn vessels, alveolar edema, eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions and prominent nucleoli which are characteristics for FH-deficient leiomyomas. Genetic testing was positive for a pathogenic variant in the FH gene associated with HLRCC. This case highlights the importance of proceeding with genetic testing in patients with personal and family history of leiomyomas and unusual pathology findings. Early identification of the syndrome can lead to appropriate screening for renal cell carcinoma.

Survival After Minimally Invasive Surgery in Older Women With Endometrial Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To analyze the impact of minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer on overall survival among age >65. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined women who underwent hysterectomy from 2010 to 2015 from the U.S. National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). We evaluated the impact of surgical approach on survival. RESULTS: Of 243,601 endometrial cancer cases, 42,458 met the inclusion criteria. Laparoscopic approach was associated with improved survival by 14% (HR=0.86; 95%CI=0.80-0.92; p<0.001) and robotic approach was associated with improved survival by 12% (HR=0.88; 95%CI=0.83-0.93; p<0.0001), compared to the open approach. Similarly, the weighted adjusted 5-year overall survival was 73.1% (95%CI=72%-74.2%), 76.4% (95%CI=75.1-77.7%), and 75.5% (95%CI=74.7-76.4%) for open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive surgery improved overall survival in women over 65 years with endometrial cancer.

Clinical Utility and Cost of Postoperative Hemoglobin Level Testing Following Robotic-assisted Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer.

AIM: Our aim was to assess the clinical utility of postoperative hemoglobin testing following hysterectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent robotic surgery at an academic center during a 44-month study period. Data included demographics and perioperative outcomes. The mean postoperative decrease in hemoglobin level was evaluated using numerical and categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 201 women were included. A total of 45 (22.4%) developed symptoms suggestive of hemodynamic compromise. When compared to asymptomatic patients, these patients were no different in operative time, estimated blood loss, pre- or post-operative hemoglobin levels, or the change in hemoglobin levels. Symptomatic patients did receive less fluid intraoperatively (1.2 vs. 1.5 l; p<0.0001). Perioperative outcomes were not associated with a greater postoperative decrease in hemoglobin (Hb). Postoperative anemia was associated with preoperative anemia (0% vs. 45%; p<0.0001). Patients with postoperative anemia were also more likely to be re-admitted within 30 days after surgery (7% vs. 23%; p=0.025). Of the three patients who received blood transfusions postoperatively, all three had preoperative Hb<9.5 g/dl, compared to 2.5% of those who were not transfused (p<0.0001). Using Institutional charges and Medicare reimbursement rates for blood hemoglobin testing, savings were estimated to be $3,629 and $1,236, respectively, during the study period. CONCLUSION: Postoperative Hb testing may be safely avoided unless starting Hb is less <10 g/dl. Clinical practice change can reduce healthcare costs without hindering patient care.

Robotic assisted cytoreductive surgery, removal of a recurrent disease in the right pericaval lymph node in a patient with ovarian cancer with the robotic Xi platform.

OBJECTIVE: The standard approach for recurrent ovarian cancer is laparotomy. In this video, we present a cytoreductive surgery using the robotic Xi platform to remove a 2.7 cm pericaval tumor. METHODS: A narrative video demonstration of robotic-assisted surgery to remove recurrent ovarian cancer in a pericaval lymph node. A 62-year-old female presented with recurrent carcinoma of the pericaval lymph node. After 40 months of surveillance, the patient was asymptomatic, but a computed tomography (CT) scan showed an isolated mass (2.7×2.3 cm) in the right pericaval lymph node. Her cancer antigen (CA)-125 level increased from 26 to 46 U/mL. The robotic Xi platform was used to remove the metastatic lymph nodes. The first step was diagnostic laparoscopy. The second step was robotic port placement below the umbilicus. The third step was dissection and identification of landmarks, and the last step was removal of the tumor and closure. RESULTS: The metastatic lymph nodes were removed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1 and had no postoperative complications. Her CA-125 level dropped to 17 U/mL two weeks after surgery. Pathology showed metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma in one lymph node, consistent with the patient's known primary. Two additional lymph nodes were removed and negative for carcinoma. Pelvic washings were negative for malignancy. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted surgery is safe and feasible in selected patients with isolated recurrent disease.

Orbital metastasis of squamous cell cervical cancer: A case report and review of literature.

Common sites of metastatic disease seen in cervical cancer most often include the lungs and liver. Orbital metastasis secondary to cervical carcinoma is a rare form of metastatic disease. We report a 73-year-old woman who presented with ocular symptoms found to be secondary to orbital metastasis of cervical cancer. She underwent palliative radiation to the orbit and pelvis followed by systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab. Prompt intervention was able to salvage her vision and improve her quality of life significantly. We identified 5 similar reported cases in which orbital metastasis was diagnosed simultaneously at the time of cervical cancer diagnosis. In these five cases, patients were treated with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy. Our case demonstrates an unusual presentation of isolated orbital metastatic disease secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Physicians should be aware that cervical cancer may metastasize to the eye leading to vision loss, and prompt intervention may be able to salvage one's vision and improve quality of life.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism after robotic-assisted hysterectomy in obese patients with endometrial cancer: do we need extended prophylaxis?

Robotic surgery for gynecologic malignancy is associated with a lower rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than laparotomy. Obese patients represent a particularly high-risk group for VTE, but prior studies tend to focus on patients with a much lower BMI and without extended VTE prophylaxis. Our objective was to examine the role of extended thromboprophylaxis in obese patients who underwent robotic-assisted surgery for endometrial cancer. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of obese patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) who underwent robotic surgery for newly diagnosed endometrial cancer. The primary outcome measured was the occurrence of a VTE event within the 30-day postoperative period. The Farrington-Manning score test was used for equivalence analysis with a 5% margin. Secondary outcomes were perioperative complications. One hundred thirty-two robotic cases for endometrial cancer met our criteria. One hundred twenty-one (92%) received preoperative pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis, and 100% used pneumatic compression devices. Ninety-three percent and 90% received preoperative pharmacologic prophylaxis in the extended and no extended group, respectively (p-value = 0.7). Seventy patients (54%) received 4-week extended prophylaxis. Estimated blood loss was similar in both groups (75 mL vs 60 mL, p-value = 0.6). Perioperative complications and readmissions were similar between the two groups. There were no VTE events during hospital stay. One patient in the group that did not receive extended prophylaxis developed a VTE in the 30-day postoperative period (1.6%), versus 0% in the group that did receive extended prophylaxis (p-value = 0.1). The risk of VTE was low. The absence of extended VTE prophylaxis did not significantly increase the risk for VTE in obese patients with newly diagnosed endometrial cancer who underwent robotic-assisted surgery.

Surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted surgical staging for endometrial cancer are equivalent to traditional laparoscopic staging at a minimally invasive surgical center.

OBJECTIVE: To compare peri- and post-operative complications and outcomes of robotic-assisted surgical staging with traditional laparoscopic surgical staging for women with endometrial cancer. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of cases of women undergoing minimally invasive total hysterectomy and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy by a robotic-assisted approach or traditional laparoscopic approach was conducted. Major intraoperative complications, including vascular injury, enterotomy, cystotomy, or conversion to laparotomy, were measured. Secondary outcomes including operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate, number of lymph nodes retrieved, and the length of hospitalization were also measured. RESULTS: 275 cases were identified-102 patients with robotic-assisted staging and 173 patients with traditional laparoscopic staging. There was no significant difference in the rate of major complications between groups (p=0.13). The mean operative time was longer in cases of robotic-assisted staging (237 min vs. 178 min, p<0.0001); however, blood loss was significantly lower (109 ml vs. 187 ml, p<0.0001). The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved were similar between groups (p=0.32). There were no significant differences in the time to discharge, re-admission, or re-operation rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted surgery is an acceptable alternative to laparoscopy for minimally invasive staging of endometrial cancer. In addition to the improved ease of operation, visualization, and range of motion of the robotic instruments, robotic surgery results in a lower mean blood loss, although longer operative time. More data are needed to determine if the rates of urinary tract injuries and other surgical complications can be reduced with the use of robotic surgery.

Human papilloma virus-associated metachronous squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and uterine cervix: Case report and review of the literature.

60 year old woman with a history of laryngeal carcinoma-HPV 16 positive, presents seven years later with an abnormal Pap smear. Cervical biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma. Clinical stage was IB1. Patient underwent open radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. Based on pathologic findings no adjuvant therapy was recommended. Uterine cervix carcinoma was also positive for HPV-16. There are no guidelines for cervical cancer screening in patients with laryngeal cancer and vice versa. Our recommendation is that patient with HPV-positive laryngeal cancer should be encouraged HPV vaccine as current guidelines, but more frequent screening, as recommended for women with specific co-morbid conditions, needs to be investigated. Research is needed to assess the role of screening for laryngeal cancer in women with cervical cancer and the effect of HPV vaccine on laryngeal cancer prevention.

Robotic-assisted interval cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to assess the feasibility of robotic-assisted interval cytoreductive surgery for achieving complete cytoreduction for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. The secondary objective was to examine the perioperative outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study of 12 patients with stage IIIC or IV ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal carcinoma who underwent interval cytoreductive surgery after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 100% of selected patients. Complete cytoreductive surgery was achieved in 75% of patients. The estimated mean blood loss was 100 mL. The median length of hospital stay was 2 days. Perioperative complication and 30-day readmission rates were 8.3% (1 patient). The median follow-up time was 9.5 months. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted interval cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer is safe and feasible and may be an alternative to standard laparotomy in selected patients.

Germline PALB2, ATM variants in a patient with breast and ovarian cancer at risk for familial cancer syndrome: Is there a role for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy?

A 50-year-old non-Hispanic white Caucasian female was diagnosed with breast cancer and was subsequently found to possess the tumorigenic ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and PALB2 variants but not the BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants. She visited the gynecologic oncology office for routine counseling about risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). Although the patient was asymptomatic, an adnexal mass was discovered in the physical examination performed by palpation. Upon using pre-operative imaging techniques, an 8 cm complex adnexal mass was identified. Her CA-125 level was elevated. She underwent complete cytoreductive surgery. Pathological analysis showed a stage IC clear cell carcinoma of the left ovary; subsequently, she received 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with a combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel. The patient exhibited no signs ovarian cancer in a follow-up appointment after 32 months of treatment. However, bilateral RRSO is not recommended for patients positive for ATM and PALB2. Breast cancer patients with PALB2 and ATM mutations should extensively discuss the risks and benefits of RRSO in light of current data.

Minimally invasive interval cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The introduction of minimally invasive surgery in other gynecologic cancers has shown benefits with similar oncologic outcomes. However, the biology and complexity of surgery for ovarian cancer may preclude this approach for ovarian cancer patients. Our objective is to assess feasibility to achieve complete cytoreductive surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer patients via minimally invasive surgery. Our data sources include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Biosis, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model with DerSimonian and Laird estimator for the amount of heterogeneity to estimate the pooled outcomes. A funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to test publication bias. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. There were 6 studies (3 prospective, 3 retrospective) that met the criteria for meta-analysis with a total of 3231 patients, 567 were in the minimally invasive group and 2664 in the laparotomy group. Both groups were similar in stage and serous histology. Complete cytoreductive surgery was achieved in 74.50% (95% CI 40.41-97.65%) and 53.10% (95% CI 4.88-97.75%) of patients in the minimally invasive and laparotomy groups, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference between these 2 pooled proportions (p = 0.52). Three studies compared minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy. No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in obtaining complete cytoreductive surgery [OR = 0.90 (95% CI 0.70-1.16; p = 0.43)]. A symmetrical funnel plot indicated no publication bias. The pooled proportion for grade > 2 postoperative complications was not significant among the laparoscopy group [3.11% (95% CI 0.00-10.24%; p = 0.15)]. Complete cytoreductive surgery appears feasible and safe with minimally invasive surgery in selected advanced ovarian cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Bevacizumab Eligibility in Patients with Metastatic and Recurrent Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVE: Bevacizumab is approved for use in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic/recurrent cervical cancer (CC), with increased survival/response rates. However, use of bevacizumab is not always feasible or safe. The purpose of this study was to identify the percentage of metastatic/recurrent CC patients at our institution who would have been eligible to receive bevacizumab. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to identify metastatic/recurrent CC patients treated at UFHealth between 2006 and 2016. Chart review was performed to determine if the patient met bevacizumab eligibility criteria. RESULTS: In total, 79 patients with metastatic/recurrent CC were identified; 85.5% would have been ineligible to receive bevacizumab, and 14.5% would have been eligible. The most common reason for exclusion was active bleeding (68.4%); 94% of which was vaginal. In all, 27.6% would be excluded due to poor renal function, and 23.7% due to poor performance status (PS). CONCLUSIONS: Despite improved survival, only 14.5% of metastatic/recurrent CC patients treated over a 10-year period would have been eligible to receive bevacizumab. Most patients would have been excluded due to active bleeding, most commonly vaginal bleeding, a common complication from their disease. Identifying novel therapies for metastatic/recurrent CC patients with improved safety profiles that would allow for their use in this challenging population is critical.

Iatrogenic Lower Extremity Subcutaneous Emphysema after Prolonged Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy.

Subcutaneous emphysema is a known complication of carbon dioxide insufflation, an essential component of laparoscopy. The literature contains reports of hypercarbia, pneumothorax, or pneumomediastinum. However, isolated lower extremity subcutaneous emphysema remains a seldom-reported complication. We report a case of unilateral lower extremity subcutaneous emphysema following robotic-assisted hysterectomy, bilateral salpingooophorectomy, staging, and anterior/posterior colporrhaphy for carcinosarcoma and vaginal prolapse. On postoperative day 1, the patient developed tender crepitus and bruising of her right ankle. Radiography confirmed presence of subcutaneous air. Vital signs and laboratory findings were unremarkable. Her symptoms spontaneously improved over time, and she was discharged in good condition on day 2. In stable patients with postoperative extremity swelling or pain with crepitus on exam, the diagnosis of iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema must be considered.

Integration of robotics into two established programs of minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer appears to decrease surgical complications.

OBJECTIVE: To compare peri- and postoperative outcomes and complications of laparoscopic vs. robotic-assisted surgical staging for women with endometrial cancer at two established academic institutions. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all women that underwent total hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy by robotic-assisted or laparoscopic approach over a four-year period by three surgeons at two academic institutions. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were measured. Secondary outcomes included operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate, number of lymph nodes retrieved, length of hospital stay and need for re-operation or re-admission. RESULTS: Four hundred and thirty-two cases were identified: 187 patients with robotic-assisted and 245 with laparoscopic staging. Both groups were statistically comparable in baseline characteristics. The overall rate of intraoperative complications was similar in both groups (1.6% vs. 2.9%, p=0.525) but the rate of urinary tract injuries was statistically higher in the laparoscopic group (2.9% vs. 0%, p=0.020). Patients in the robotic group had shorter hospital stay (1.96 days vs. 2.45 days, p=0.016) but an average 57 minutes longer surgery than the laparoscopic group (218 vs. 161 minutes, p=0.0001). There was less conversion rate (0.5% vs. 4.1%; relative risk, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.03 to 1.34; p=0.027) and estimated blood loss in the robotic than in the laparoscopic group (187 mL vs. 110 mL, p=0.0001). There were no significant differences in blood transfusion rate, number of lymph nodes retrieved, re-operation or re-admission between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted surgery is an acceptable alternative to laparoscopy for staging of endometrial cancer and, in selected patients, it appears to have lower risk of urinary tract injury.