Robotic surgery for staging of serous papillary and clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of robotic staging for high-risk endometrial cancer is unclear. METHODS: Retrospective review of papillary serous and clear cell endometrial cancer open staging (OS) and robotic staging (RS) cases (2009-2011) by two gynaecological oncologists. RESULTS: There were 15 OS and 17 RS cases (no conversions). Age, uterine weight and body mass index were comparable, with more stage I RS cases. Operative time (172.5 vs 124.2 min, p = 0.0005), blood loss (71.9 vs 310.0 ml, p = 0.0002), hospital stay (5.4 vs 1.2 days, p = 0.0016) and lymphadenectomy yield (16.8 vs 10.2 nodes, p = 0.0041) were decreased for RS. Optimal cytoreduction rates (100% vs 93%, p = 0.2794), follow-up (19.9 vs 27.1 months, p = 0.2283) and recurrences (three vs five, p = 0.5395) were equivalent. Disease-free survival (54.5% vs 66.7%, p = 0.5302) and overall survival rates (81.8% vs 80.0%, p = 0.9075) were equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic staging is feasible with minimal blood loss, a short operative time and recovery and good optimal cytoreduction rates.