Robotic surgery in gynecology: an updated systematic review

Robotic single-site hysterectomy: feasibility, learning curve and surgical outcome

BACKGROUND

The field of laparoscopy has undergone several changes to improve the morbidity and cosmesis of laparoscopic surgery. The robotic single-site surgery is the inevitable hybridization of robotic technology with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery.

METHODS

Perioperative information of 12 robotic single-site hysterectomies (R-SSH) were collected to evaluate the surgical feasibility and the possible influence of the body mass index (BMI) and the uterine weight on operative times.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 85 ± 33 min (range, 355 to 149 min), the mean docking time was 9 ± 3 min, and the mean console time was 76 ± 33 min. The mean blood loss was 80 ± 18 mL, and the median weight of resected uteri was 220 ± 45 g. No serious postoperative complications occurred. The CUSUM learning curve was observed to consist of two different phases: phase 1 (the initial 6 cases) and phase 2 (the last 6 cases) with significant reduction in operative and console time observed between the two phases. For BMI, no correlation was found with operative times, console times, and docking times, and no correlation was found between uterine weight and operative time.

CONCLUSIONS

This series, identifying two different phases of the learning curve and suggesting that the initial learning phase for the procedure can be achieved after six cases, confirms the feasibility and safety of a robotic approach for single-site hysterectomy. However, the limits of this study mainly rely on the limited casuistic and short follow-up, although the preliminary results appear promising. Larger series and prospective studies comparing R-SSH hysterectomy with standard robotic multiport hysterectomy are necessary to define properly the role of this innovative surgical technique.

Malpractice claims and avoidance of complications in endoscopic surgery

Laparoscopy has become a valuable tool for the gynaecologist in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of gynecological disorders. Its quicker recovery time and other advantages has benefitted countless women. Laparoscopic procedures, however, have their own associated risks and complications, and the surgeon must become thoroughly familiar with these. This awareness will help reduce patient morbidity and mortality, and potentially avoid the stress and burden of litigation, which has been increasing in recent years. Complications of gynaecologic laparoscopy include entry-related problems, and injuries to bowel, urinary tract, blood vessels, and nerves. Although some of these complications have been well described, some have emerged recently in relation to new technology and techniques. In this chapter, we discuss some of the complications of endoscopic surgery, including their incidence, prevention, and medico-legal implications, and provide a brief overview of their management.

Robotic surgery - advance or gimmick?

Robotic surgery is increasingly implemented as a minimally invasive approach to a variety of gynaecological procedures. The use of conventional laparoscopy by a broad range of surgeons, especially in complex procedures, is hampered by several drawbacks. Robotic surgery was created with the aim of overcoming some of the limitations. Although robotic surgery has many advantages, it is also associated with clear disadvantages. At present, the proof of superiority over access by laparotomy or laparoscopy through large randomised- controlled trials is still lacking. Until results of such trials are present, a firm conclusion about the usefulness of robotic surgery cannot be drawn. Robotic surgery is promising, making the advantages of minimally invasive surgery potentially available to a large number of surgeons and patients in the future.

Anesthetic considerations in robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted surgery has evolved over the past 2 decades with constantly improving technology that assists surgeons in multiple subspecialty disciplines. The surgical requirements of lithotomy and steep Trendelenburg positions, along with the creation of a pneumoperitoneum and lack of direct access to the patient all present management challenges in gynecologic surgery. Patient positioning requirements can have significant physiologic effects and can result in many complications.

METHODS

This review focuses on the anesthetic and surgical implications of robot-assisted technology in gynecologic surgery.

CONCLUSION

Good communication among team members and knowledge of the nuances of robotic surgery have the potential to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce complications.

Advances in surgical care

The numerous advances in the surgical care of gynecologic oncology patients are allowing clinicians to offer improved quality of life while maintaining excellent cancer outcomes. Advances in technology and disease understanding will only enhance our surgical abilities beyond what can be imagined today. Surgeons have a responsibility to evaluate new technology critically and incorporate the technology into patient care safely and efficiently.