Robotic vs. laparoscopic approach in obese patients with endometrial cancer: which is the best? A mini-review

Abstract

Abstract This literature review aims to analyze available data on minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer (EC) in obese patients and compare the surgical outcomes of patients with EC, treated with robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy. An extensive literature search was conducted about studies on obese EC women who underwent robotic or laparoscopic hysterectomy. MIS reduces the impact of common adverse effects in obese patients. The robotic approach can ensure many advantages: reduction in blood loss, operative time, and hospital stay; indeed, robotic surgery seems to add other benefits when lymphadenectomy is required. Robotic surgery is more expensive compared to other approaches but considering global cost, this is less expensive than abdominal hysterectomy and its cost decreases with increasing procedural volume. Intra, peri and post-operative outcomes of obese patients with endometrial carcinoma treated with mininvasive surgery have been analyzed, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. However, the gold standard between classical laparoscopy and robotic laparoscopy has not been defined. Robotic surgery shows better surgical outcomes, but its potential is limited due to its costs and long operating times. However, oncologic outcomes remain the most important aspects and are still to be defined.