Robot assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with short and long term morbidity data.

Objective: To evaluate feasibility and morbidity of robot assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy.

Methods: From December 2005 to September 2008 robot assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed on 80 women. Using a prospective protocol, and an active investigation policy for defined adverse events, perioperative, short and long term data were obtained.

Results: Time for surgery (skin to skin) reached 176 and 132 min after 9 and 34 procedures respectively. All tumours were radically removed. Median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 26 (range 15-55). All women had an early follow up (1-3 months) and 43 of eligible 46 women (93%) had a long term follow up (> or =12 months). In 33 of 80 women (41%) the peri/postoperative period was uneventful. The remainder had one or more mainly mild adverse events, most commonly from the vaginal cuff (n=17, 21%) or the lymphatic system (n=16, 20%). The proportion of uneventful cases increased significantly over time. Five women were resutured for dehiscence of the vaginal cuff, two women were reoperated for trocar site hernias and one woman had a ureter stricture that resolved following stent treatment. Eight women (14%) needed 60 days or more to resume spontaneous voiding. One 72-year old woman with disseminated endometrial cancer on autopsy died of pulmonary embolism 31 days after surgery.

Conclusions: Robot assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is a feasible alternative to conventional laparoscopy and open surgery. Effort should be made to ensure proper closure of the vaginal cuff, trocar sites and to develop nerve sparing techniques.