Feasibility and safety of robotic single-port surgical staging in epithelial ovarian cancer using the da Vinci SP platform: a preliminary experience

Abstract

Minimally invasive surgery has transformed gynecologic procedures by reducing postoperative pain, accelerating recovery, and shortening hospital stays. The da Vinci SP system represents a significant advancement in single-port robotic surgery, offering articulated instruments and enhanced visualization. However, its role in staging epithelial ovarian cancer remains underexplored. We conducted a retrospective case series of patients who underwent surgical staging for epithelial ovarian cancer at the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute in Rome between September 2024 and March 2025 using the da Vinci SP system. Clinical, surgical, and postoperative data were collected, focusing on complication rates within 30 days. Seven patients were enrolled. No intraoperative conversions or complications were observed. The median hospital stay was 3 days, median blood loss was 10 mL, and the median lymph node yield was 7 (range; 5-19). No patients experienced Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher complications within 30 days. Single-port robotic staging using the da Vinci SP system appears to be a safe and feasible option for selected patients with early-stage ovarian cancer. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.