Robotic Radical Hysterectomy: A New Standard of Care?

Abstract

Evaluation of: Ko EM, Muto MG, Berkowitz RS, Feltmate CM: Robotic versus open radical hysterectomy: a comparative study at a single institution. Gynecol. Oncol. 111(3), 425–430 (2008). Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to be associated with a number of advantages to the patient, such as lower blood loss, lower transfusion rates, lesser requirements of pain medications, quicker return of bowel function and a shorter recovery period, as well as earlier resumption of daily activities. More recently, robotic surgery has become increasingly popular among gynecologic oncologists who perform minimally invasive surgery. Robotic surgery has allowed surgeons to be able to offer patients the same benefits of laparoscopy, while being able to perform procedures that require advanced surgical skills. This retrospective study showed that robotic radical hysterectomy was associated with less blood loss and a shorter length of stay compared with the open approach. In addition, the authors showed that intraoperative and postoperative complications were comparable.