Surgical approach to uterine myomatosis in patients with infertility: open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery; results according to the quantity of fibroids

Enhancing surgical performance: the role of robotic surgery in myomectomies, a systematic review and metanalysis

Examine the role, benefits, and limitations of robotic surgery in myomectomies compared to laparoscopic and open surgical approaches. This review sourced data from CENTRAL, Pubmed, Medline, and Embase up until May 1, 2023. Full articles comparing clinical outcomes of robotic myomectomy with open or laparoscopic procedures were included without language restriction. Initially, 2150 records were found. 24 studies were finally included for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Two investigators independently assessed all reports following PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was conducted using the software "Review Manager Version 5.4". Risk-of-bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Sensitivity analysis was conducted, when feasible. In a comparison between robotic and laparoscopic myomectomies, no significant difference was observed in fibroid weights and the size of the largest fibroid. Robotic myomectomy resulted in less blood loss, but transfusion rates were comparable. Both methods had similar complication rates and operative times, although some robotic studies showed longer durations. Conversion rates favored robotics. Hospital stays varied widely, with no overall significant difference, and pregnancy rates were similar between the two methods. When comparing robotic to open myomectomies, open procedures treated heavier and larger fibroids. They also had greater blood loss, but the robotic approach required fewer transfusions. The complication rate was slightly higher in open procedures. Open surgeries were generally faster, postoperative pain scores were similar, but hospital stays were longer for open procedures. Pregnancy rates were comparable for both robotic and open methods. Robotic surgery offers advancement in myomectomy procedures by offering enhanced exposure and dexterity, leading to reduced blood loss and improved patient outcomes. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023462348.

Exploring Surgical Strategies for Uterine Fibroid Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Literature on Open and Minimally Invasive Approaches

Background and Objectives: Uterine myomas represent one of the most prevalent pathologies affecting the female population. These benign neoplasms originate from the smooth muscular cells of the uterus, and they can be either single or multiple. Often associated with debilitating symptoms such as pelvic heaviness, pain, constipation, and urinary dysfunctions, the surgical management of myomectomy exhibits considerable variability. This diversity in approaches is influenced by factors such as the number and size of myomas, the patient's age, and overall clinical conditions. This study aims to elucidate and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different surgical approaches, specifically endoscopic procedures versus open surgery, providing valuable insights for clinical decision making. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive bibliographic search spanning from 2013 to 2023 was systematically conducted across databases including Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The search utilized keywords such as "myomectomy laparoscopic and open", "myomectomy open and minimally invasive", "myomectomy open and laparoscopic", and "myomectomy open vs. laparoscopic." The research methodology, along with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, was established prior to the search, ensuring a systematic and rigorous approach. Subsequently, data analysis was carried out. Results: Following the study selection process, 25 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this analysis. The average numbers of myomas were 3.7 (ranging from 1 to 13.7) and 5.4 (ranging from 1 to 13.5) for the minimally invasive surgery and open surgery groups, respectively. In terms of myoma size, the total averages across studies were 7 cm (ranging from 4.8 to 14) for the minimally invasive group and 8 cm (ranging from 3.9 to 11.2) for the open surgery group. The average pregnancy and delivery rates were 29.7% (ranging from 1.8 to 100) for the minimally invasive group and 28.5% (ranging from 1.8 to 100) for the open surgery group. Regarding complications, the average rate was 14.2% (ranging from 0 to 50) for the endoscopic group and 22.3% (ranging from 0 to 60.3) for the laparotomic group. Conclusions: In conclusion, a critical factor influencing the choice of surgical approach is primarily the size and quantity of fibroids. The mini-laparotomic approach emerges as a viable alternative to endoscopy, demonstrating favorable surgical outcomes and aesthetic results. Interestingly, the type of surgical procedure appears to have no significant impact on the pregnancy rate.

Efficacy and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy versus laparoscopic myomectomy: a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Systematic evaluation of the efficacy and safety of robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) versus laparoscopic myomectomy (LM).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science database were searched by computer to seek relevant literature in order to compare the efficacy and safety of RALM with that of LM from the establishment of the databases to January 2023, and Review Manager 5.4 software was utilized to perform a meta-analysis on the literature.

RESULTS

A total of 15 retrospective clinical controlled studies were included. There exists a total of 45,702 patients, among 11,618 patients in the RALM group and the remaining 34,084 patients in the LM group. Meta-analysis results revealed that RALM was associated with lesser intraoperative bleeding (MD =  - 32.03, 95%CI - 57.24 to - 6.83, P = 0.01), lower incidence of blood transfusions (OR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.77 to 0.97, P = 0.01), shorter postoperative hospital stay (MD =  - 0.11, 95%CI - 0.21 to - 0.01, P = 0.03), fewer transitions to open stomach (OR = 0.82, 95%CI 0.73 to 0.92, P = 0.0006), and lower incidence of postoperative complications (OR = 0.58, 95%CI 0.40 to 0.86, P = 0.006) than LM, whereas LM is more advantageous in terms of operative time (MD = 38.61, 95%CI 19.36 to 57.86, P < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference between the two surgical methods in terms of maximum myoma diameter (MD = 0.26, 95%CI - 0.17 to 0.70, P = 0.24).

CONCLUSION

In the aspects of intraoperative bleeding, lower incidence of blood transfusions, postoperative hospital stay, transit open stomach rate, and postoperative complications, RALM has a unique advantage than that of LM, while LM has advantages over RALM in terms of operative time.

Multi-Port Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Clinical and Fertility Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Uterine fibroids are the most frequently diagnosed gynaecological tumours, and they often require surgical treatment (conventional laparoscopic myomectomy-CLM). The introduction and evolution of robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) in the early 2000s has expanded the range of minimally invasive options for the majority of cases. This study aims to compare RALM with CLM and abdominal myomectomy (AM).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Fifty-three eligible studies adhered to the pre-established inclusion criteria and were subsequently evaluated for risk of bias and statistical heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The available comparative studies were compared using surgical outcomes, namely blood loss, complication rate, transfusion rate, operation duration, conversion to laparotomy, and length of hospitalisation. RALM was significantly superior to AM in all assessed parameters other than operation duration. RALM and CLM performed similarly in most parameters; however, RALM was associated with reduced intra-operative bleeding in patients with small fibroids and had lower rates of conversion to laparotomy, proving RALM as a safer overall approach.

CONCLUSION

The robotic approach for surgical treatment of uterine fibroids is a safe, effective, and viable approach, which is constantly being improved and may soon acquire widespread adoption and prove to be superior to CLM in certain patient subgroups.