Clinical References for Gynecologic Conditions

da Vinci® Hysterectomy for Benign Conditions
Lenihan Jr JP, Kovanda C, Seshadri-Kreaden U. What is the Learning Curve for Robotic Assisted Gynecologic Surgery? Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. 2008;15(5):589-94.
Study Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the learning curve when using the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) in benign gynecologic cases by a team of 2 gynecologic laparoscopists. Design: Retrospective case series (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). Setting: A private practice obstetrics/gynecology clinic. Patients: Patients requiring major benign gynecologic surgery who were candidates for a laparoscopic approach. Intervention: All patients who would have otherwise been offered a transabdominal or conventional laparoscopic procedure were offered the option of having their procedure performed laparoscopically with robotic assistance. Data that were collected included robot set-up times by the operative room staff, operative times for use of robot, total operative times, and perioperative outcome. We analyzed the learning curve defined as the number of cases required to stabilize operative time to perform the various procedures. Measurements and Main Results: One hundred thirteen patients were treated over a 22-month period with the da Vinci Surgical System. Most procedures were hysterectomies, whereas other gynecologic procedures included supracervical hysterectomy, laparoscopic vaginal assisted hysterectomy, myomectomy, sacrocolpopexy, and oophorectomy. Total operative times for hysterectomies studied sequentially stabilized at approximately 95 minutes after 50 cases. The decrease in robotic time did not depend on uterine size. The mean length of hospital stay was 24 hours, and return to normal activities averaged 2.8 weeks. Conclusions: Robotic assisted surgery is an enabling technology that allows gynecologic surgeons the ability to offer laparoscopic procedures to most of their patients. In the hands of surgeons with advanced laparoscopic skills, the learning curve to stabilize operative times for the various surgical procedures in women requiring benign gynecolologic interventions is 50 cases. © 2008 AAGL.

Payne TN, Dauterive FR. A comparison of total laparoscopic hysterectomy to robotically assisted hysterectomy: surgical outcomes in a community practice. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2008 May-Jun;15(3):286-91.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare gynecologic practice and perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy and robotic hysterectomy before and after implementation of a robotics program. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of the last 200 consecutive hysterectomy cases completed before and after implementation of a robotics program (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Community hospital. PATIENTS: All patients requiring hysterectomy for benign indications between November 2004 and January 2007. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were candidates for total laparoscopic, abdominal, or vaginal hysterectomy before February 2006 and were candidates for total laparoscopic, total abdominal, total vaginal, or robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy after February 2006. Perioperative characteristics and trends were studied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In all, 100 patients intended to be treated by laparoscopic hysterectomy before the implementation of a robotics program were compared with 100 patients treated by robotic hysterectomy after robot implementation. Overall the robotic cohort experienced longer operative times by an average of 27 minutes. The prerobotic cohort, however, when compared with the last 25 robotic cases had longer operative times (92.4 minutes [29.2], 95% CI 46.0-225.0 vs 78.7 minutes [29.5], 95% CI 66.0-91.2, p = .03). The mean blood loss in the prerobotic cohort was twice that of the robotic cohort (113 mL [85.9], 95% CI 95.9-130.1 vs 61.1 mL [60.9], 95% CI 48.9-73.2, p <.0001) and the mean length of hospital stay was half a day longer in the prerobotic cohort than in the robotic cohort (1.6 days [1.4], 95% CI 1.3-1.9 vs 1.1 days [0.7], 95% CI 1.0-1.3, p <.007). The incidence of adverse events was the same in both groups. The total number of exploratory laparotomies in the prerobotic cohort was significantly greater than in the robotic group (11% vs 0%). The rate of intraoperative conversions to total abdominal hysterectomy from laparoscopy was approximately 2-fold higher in the prerobotic cohort as compared with the robotic cohort (9% vs 4%). CONCLUSION: A higher likelihood of exploratory laparotomy for hysterectomy in the prerobotic cohort versus the robotic cohort and a higher likelihood of intraoperative conversion to laparotomy with the prerobotic cohort than with the robotic cohort existed. Reduced operative time, reduced blood loss, and shortened length of stay may be achieved in patients who are treated robotically versus a nonrobotic approach. Robotics may facilitate the minimally invasive treatment of patients while potentially reducing the rate of abdominal hysterectomies.

Visco AG, Advincula AP. Robotic Gynecologic Surgery. Obstet Gynecol 2008 Nov;112(6):1369-84.
The objective of this article is to review the recent adoption, experience, and applications of robot-assisted laparoscopy in gynecologic surgery. The use of robotics in gynecologic surgery is increasing in the United States. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgeries in gynecology include benign hysterectomy, myomectomy, tubal reanastomoses, radical hysterectomy, lymph node dissections, and sacrocolpopexies. The majority of the current literature includes case series of various robotic surgeries. Recently, comparative retrospective and prospective studies have demonstrated the feasibility of this particular type of surgery. Although individual studies vary, robot-assisted gynecologic surgery is often associated with longer operating room time but generally similar clinical outcomes, decreased blood loss, and shorter hospital stay. Robot-assisted gynecologic surgery will likely continue to develop as more gynecologic surgeons are trained and more patients seek minimally invasive surgical options. Well-designed, prospective studies with well-defined clinical, long-term outcomes, including complications, cost, pain, return to normal activity, and quality of life, are needed to fully assess the value of this new technology.

da Vinci® Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer
Boggess JF, Gehrig PA, Cantrell L, Shafer A, Ridgway M, Skinner EN, Fowler WC. A case-control study of robot-assisted type III radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection compared with open radical hysterectomy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2008;199(4).
Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare robotically assisted hysterectomy (RAH) with open (ORH) type III radical hysterectomy in the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer. Study Design: The outcomes of 51 consecutive patients who underwent RAH were compared with the outcomes of 49 patients who underwent ORH. Results: There were no differences with regard to patient demographics. There were significant differences between the groups with regard to operative blood loss (P < .0001), operative time (P = .0002), and lymph node retrieval (P = .0003), all of which were in favor of the RAH cohort. All patients with RAH were discharged on postoperative day 1, compared with a 3.2-day average hospitalization for the cohort with ORH. The incidence of postoperative complications was 7.8% and 16.3% for the RAH and ORH cohorts, respectively (P = .35). Conclusion: Robotic type III radical hysterectomy with pelvic node dissection is feasible and may be preferable over open radical hysterectomy in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Further study will determine procedure generalizability and long-term oncologic outcomes. © 2008 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Estape R, Lambrou N, Diaz R, Estape E, Dunkin N, Rivera A. A case matched analysis of robotic radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy compared with laparoscopy and laparotomy. Gynecologic Oncology. 2009. Jun;113(3):357-61.
Objective: To compare robotic radical hysterectomy to laparoscopic and radical abdominal hysterectomy in the treatment of cervical cancer. Methods: Prospective analyses of thirty-two consecutive patients undergoing robotic radical hysterectomy were compared to 17 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and 14 patients undergoing radical abdominal hysterectomy. Results: Operative time for the robotic group was 2.4 h ± 0.8 and not significantly different from the laparoscopic group at 2.2 h ± 0.7, nor the laparotomy group (1.9 h ± 0.6, p = 0.05). The estimated blood loss for patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy was 130 cm3 ± 119.4. This was significantly less than the laparotomy group (621.4 mL ± 294.0, p < 0.0001), but not the laparoscopic group (209.4 mL ± 169.9, p = 0.09). The robotic group had an average of 32.4 total nodes retrieved, as compared to 18.6 and 25.7 nodes retrieved in the laparoscopy and laparotomy cohorts, respectively. All differences were significant (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05). Mean length of hospital stay was 2.6, 2.3 and 4.0 days in the robotic, laparoscopic, and laparotomy cohorts respectively. The incidence of postoperative complications was less in the robotic cohort (18.8%) as compared to the laparoscopic (23.5%), and laparotomy cohorts (28.6%). Conclusions: Robotic total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy is feasible and may be preferable over laparoscopic or radical abdominal hysterectomy. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lowe MP, Chamberlain DH, Kamelle SA, Johnson PR, Tillmanns TD. A multi-institutional experience with robotic-assisted radical hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2009 May;113(2):191-4. Epub 2009 Feb 26.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to report a multi-institutional experience with robotic-assisted radical hysterectomy to treat patients with early stage cervical cancer with respect to perioperative outcomes. METHODS: A multi-institutional robotic surgical consortium consisting of five board-certified gynecologist oncologist in distinct geographical regions of the United States was created to evaluate the utility of robotics for gynecologic surgery (benign and malignant). Between April 2003 and August 2008, a total of 835 patients underwent robotic surgery for benign gynecologic disorders and/or gynecologic malignancies by a surgeon in the consortium. IRB approval was obtained and data was collected in a prospective fashion at each institution. For the purposes of the study, a multi-institutional HIPPA compliant database was then created for all patients that underwent robotic-assisted surgery between the April 2003 and August 2008. This database was queried for all patients who underwent a robotic-assisted type II or III radical hysterectomy for Stage IA1 (+vsi)-IB2 cervical carcinoma. Forty-two patients were identified. Records were then reviewed for demographic data, medical conditions, prior abdominal or pelvic surgeries, and follow-up. The perioperative outcomes analyzed included: operative time (skin-skin), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay, total lymph node count, conversion to laparotomy, and operative complications. RESULTS: From a database of 835 patients who underwent robotic surgery by a gynecologic oncologist, a total of 42 patients who underwent a robotic-assisted type II (n=10) or type III (n=32) radical hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer were identified. Demographic data demonstrated a median age of 41 and a median BMI of 25.1. With regard to stage, seven patients (17%) were Stage IA2, twenty-eight patients (67%) were Stage IB1 and six patients (14%) were Stage IB2. There was a single patient with Stage IA1 cervical cancer with vascular space invasion who underwent a type II radical hysterectomy. The overall median operative time was 215 min. The overall median estimated blood loss was 50 cc. No patient received a blood transfusion. The median lymph node count was 25. The median hospital stay was 1 day. Positive lymph nodes were detected in 12% of the patients. Pelvic radiotherapy or chemo-radiation was given to 14% of the patients based on final surgical pathology. Intraoperative complications occurred in 4.8% of the patients and included one conversion to laparotomy (2.4%) and one ureteral injury (2.4%). Postoperative complications were reported in 12% of the patients and included a DVT (2.4%), infection (7.2%), and bladder/urinary tract complication (2.4%) The conversion rate to laparotomy was 2.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted radical hysterectomy is associated with minimal blood loss, a shortened hospital stay, and few operative complications. Operative time and lymph node yields are acceptable. This data suggests that robotic-assisted radical hysterectomy may offer an alternative to traditional radical hysterectomy. This series contributes to the growing literature on robotic-assisted radical hysterectomy and prospective comparisons with traditional radical hysterectomy are needed.

Obermair A, Gebski V, Frumovitz M, Soliman PT, Schmeler KM, Levenback C, Ramirez PT. A Phase III Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Laparoscopic or Robotic Radical Hysterectomy with Abdominal Radical Hysterectomy in Patients with Early Stage Cervical Cancer. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology 2008;15(5):584-8.
Study Objective: Cervical cancer is a significant health problem in countries of the developing world. Although case series suggest advantages of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) compared with total abdominal radical hysterectomy (TARH), no randomized controlled trial is currently available to establish TLRH as the new standard treatment. In this study, TLRH or total robotic radical hysterectomy (TRRH) will be performed without a vaginally assisted portion of the procedure. Design: A biphasic randomized controlled trial was designed to test feasibility of recruitment and equivalence in regard to disease-free survival (Canadian Task Force classification I). Setting: Tertiary referral hospital. Patients: Patients with histologically confirmed invasive squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the cervix, stage IA1 (with lymphovascular space invasion), IA2, and IB1 are eligible. Interventions: During the first phase, 100 patients will be randomized (1:1) to receive either TLRH/TRRH or TARH, with the primary end point being the rate of enrollment. During the second phase, recruitment will be extended by another 640 patients in a 1:1 TLRH/TRRH:TARH allocation, to determine equivalence with respect to disease-free survival with 80% power and ? = 0.05. Measurements and Main Results: Equivalence will be assumed if the difference in disease-free survival does not exceed 7% at 4 years. Secondary outcomes include treatment-related morbidity, costs and cost effectiveness, patterns of recurrence, quality of life, pelvic floor function, feasibility of intraoperative sentinel node sampling, and overall survival. All data from this multicenter study will be entered using online electronic case report forms, allowing real-time assessment of data completeness and patient follow-up. Conclusion: This prospective trial aims to show the equivalence of a TLRH/TRRH versus TARH approach for patients with early stage cervical cancer following a 2-phase protocol. This trial was developed and designed with the input and approval of the members of the Gynecologic Oncology Committee from the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. © 2008 AAGL.

Ramirez PT. Robotic radical hysterectomy: a new standard of care? Future Oncol2009 Feb;5(1):23-5.

da Vinci® Sacrocolpopexy
Geller EJ, Siddiqui NY, Wu JM, Visco AG. Short-Term Outcomes of Robotic Sacrocolpopexy Compared With Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy. Obstet Gynecol2008 Nov;112(6):1201-6.
OBJECTIVE: To compare short-term outcomes of robotic sacrocolpopexy with abdominal sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing robotic to abdominal sacrocolpopexy with placement of permanent mesh. The primary outcome was vaginal vault support on 6-week postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system examination. Secondary outcomes included blood loss, operative time, length of stay, blood transfusion, pulmonary embolus, gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract injury, ileus, bowel obstruction, postoperative fever, pneumonia, wound infection, and urinary retention. RESULTS: The analysis included 178 patients (73 robotic and 105 abdominal sacrocolpopexy). There were no differences in age, race, or body mass index. Robotic sacrocolpopexy showed slight improvement on POP-Q "C" point (-9 compared with -8, P=.008) when compared with abdominal sacrocolpopexy and was associated with less blood loss (103+/-96 mL compared with 255+/-155 mL, P<.001), longer total operative time (328+/-55 minutes compared with 225+/-61 minutes, P<.001), shorter length of stay (1.3+/-0.8 days compared with 2.7+/-1.4 days, P<.001), and a higher incidence of postoperative fever (4.1% compared with 0.0%, P=.04). There were no differences in other secondary outcomes. Operative time remained significantly greater in the robotic group (P<.001), and estimated blood loss remained lower (P<.001) when controlling for possible confounders. CONCLUSION: Robotic sacrocolpopexy demonstrated similar short-term vaginal vault support compared with abdominal sacrocolpopexy, with longer operative time, less blood loss, and shorter length of stay. Long-term data are needed to assess the durability of this new minimally invasive procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Matthews CA. Surgical techniques: Robot-assisted laparoscopic colposacropexy with the da Vinci® surgical system. Journal of Robotic Surgery 2009;3(1):35-9.
Colposacropexy is the gold-standard operation for repair of apical vaginal support defects. While it is feasible to perform this operation using conventional laparoscopic techniques, a limited number of surgeons have mastered the advanced minimally invasive skills that are required. Introduction of the da Vinci® robotic system with instruments that have improved dexterity and precision and a camera system with three-dimensional imaging presents an opportunity for more surgeons treating women with pelvic organ prolapse to perform the procedure laparoscopically. This paper will outline a technique that is exactly modeled after the open procedure for completion of a robotic-assisted colposacropexy using the da Vinci® surgical system. © 2009 Springer-Verlag London Ltd.

da Vinci® Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer
Bell MC, Torgerson J, Seshadri-Kreaden U, Suttle AW, Hunt S. Comparison of outcomes and cost for endometrial cancer staging via traditional laparotomy, standard laparoscopy and robotic techniques. Gynecologic Oncology2008 Nov;111(3):407-11.
Objectives: The study purpose was to compare hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy completed via robotic assistance, laparotomy, and laparoscopy for endometrial cancer staging with respect to operative and peri-operative outcomes, complications, adequacy of staging, and cost. Methods: One hundred and ten patients underwent hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer staging. All cases were performed by a single surgeon, at a single institution (40 robotic, 40 laparotomy, and 30 laparoscopic) and were retrospectively reviewed to compare demographics and peri-operative variables including, operative time, estimated blood loss, lymph node count, hospital stay, complications, and return to normal activity. Additionally, a cost comparison between all three modalities was performed. Results: Patients undergoing robotic assisted hysterectomy and staging experienced longer operative time than the laparotomy cohort with no difference in comparison to the laparoscopic cohort (184 min, 108.6 min, 171 min, p < 0.0001, p = 0.14). Estimated blood loss was significantly reduced for the robotic cohort in comparison to the laparotomy cohort and comparable to laparoscopic cohort (166 cc, 316 cc, 253 cc, p = 0.01, p = 0.25). The complication rate was lowest in the robotic cohort (7.5%) relative to the laparotomy (27.5%) and laparoscopic cohorts (20%) (p = 0.015, p = 0.03). Average return to normal activity for the robotic patients was significantly shorter than those undergoing laparotomy (24.1 days versus 52 days, p < 0.0001) and those undergoing laparoscopy (31.6 days, p = 0.005). Lymph node retrieval did not differ between the 3 groups (robotic 17 nodes, laparotomy 14 nodes, laparoscopic 17 nodes). The total average cost for hysterectomy with staging completed via laparotomy was $12,943.60, for standard laparoscopy $7569.80, and for robotic assistance $8212.00. The difference in cost between laparotomy and robotic cohorts was significant p = 0.0001 while there was no statistically significant difference in cost between laparoscopy and robotic cohorts p = 0.06. Conclusions: Robotic hysterectomy provides comparable node retrieval to laparotomy and laparoscopic procedures in the case of the experienced laparoscopic surgeon. While robotic hysterectomy takes longer to perform than hysterectomy completed via laparotomy, it is equivalent to laparoscopic hysterectomy and provides the patient with a more expeditious return to normal activity with reduced post-operative morbidity. Additionally, the average cost for hysterectomy and staging was highest for laparotomy, followed by robotic, and least for standard laparoscopy. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Boggess JF, Gehrig PA, Cantrell L, Shafer A, Ridgway M, Skinner EN, Fowler WC. A comparative study of 3 surgical methods for hysterectomy with staging for endometrial cancer: robotic assistance, laparoscopy, laparotomy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology2008;199(4).
Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes in women who underwent endometrial cancer staging by different surgical techniques. Study Design: Three hundred twenty-two women underwent endometrial cancer staging: 138 by laparotomy (TAH); 81 by laparoscopy (TLH) and 103 by robotic technique (TRH). Results: The TRH cohort had a higher body mass index than the TLH cohort (P = .0008). Lymph node yield was highest for TRH (P < .0001); hospital stay (P < .0001) and estimated blood loss (P < .0001) were lowest for this cohort. Operative time was longest for TLH (213.4 minutes) followed by TRH (191.2 minutes) and TAH (146.5 minutes; P < .0001. Postoperative complication rates were lower for TRH, compared with TAH (5.9% vs 29.7%; P < .0001). Conversion rates for the robotic and laparoscopic groups were similar. Conclusion: TRH with staging is feasible and preferable over TAH and may be preferable over TLH in women with endometrial cancer. Further study is necessary to determine long-term oncologic outcomes. © 2008 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

DeNardis SA, Holloway RW, Bigsby Iv GE, Pikaart DP, Ahmad S, Finkler NJ. Robotically assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer. Gynecologic Oncology 2008 Dec;111(3):412-7. Epub 2008 Oct 1.
Objective: To compare surgical morbidity and clinical-pathologic factors for patients with endometrial cancer (EC) undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RALH) versus total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with aortic and/or pelvic lymphadenectomy (LA). Methods: During the first 14 months of a robotics surgical program, 56 patients with EC were scheduled to undergo RALH with LA. Cases were analyzed for operative (op) time, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion, intra- and post-op complications, surgical-pathologic data, patient demographics and length of stay (LOS). Data was compared to 106 serially treated patients with EC who underwent TAH with LA immediately prior to initiation of our robotics program. Results: Three robotic cases (5.4%) were converted to TAH secondary to intra-op factors. FIGO stages for RALH vs. TAH were: stage I (82 vs. 69%), stage II (7 vs. 7.5%) and stage III (11 vs. 21.5%). Patients' mean age was 59 ± 10 vs. 63 ± 11 years (p = 0.05) and body mass index (BMI) was 29 ± 6.5 vs. 34 ± 9 kg/m2 (p = 0.0001) for the robotic and open groups, respectively. Severe medical co-morbidities affected 5.4% of robotic patients compared to 8.5% of open cases (p > 0.05). Comparing RALH and TAH, mean op time was 177 ± 55 vs.79 ± 17 min (p = 0.0001), EBL was 105 ± 77 vs. 241 ± 115 ml (p < 0.0001), transfusion was 0 vs. 8.5% (p = 0.005), and LOS was 1.0 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 1.0 days (p < 0.0001). Robotic patients incurred a 3.6% major peri-operative complication rate while women undergoing open procedures had an incidence of 20.8% (p = 0.007). Total lymph node count was 19 ± 13 nodes for robotic cases vs. 18 ± 10 nodes obtained from open hysterectomy patients. Conclusions: Patients with EC who underwent RALH with LA during the first year of our robotics program were younger, thinner and had less cardio-pulmonary illness than patients previously treated with TAH and LA. LOS, EBL and peri-op complication rates were significantly lower for the robotic cohort. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Seamon. Minimally invasive comprehensive surgical staging for endometrial cancer: Robotics or laparoscopy? Gynecologic Oncology 2009 Apr;113(1):36-41. Epub 2009 Jan 24.
Objective: To compare outcomes between robotic versus laparoscopic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial cancer. Methods: A cohort study was performed by prospectively identifying all patients with clinical stage I or occult stage II endometrial cancer who underwent robotic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy from 2006-2008 and retrospectively comparing data using the same surgeons' laparoscopic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy cases from 1998-2005, prior to our robotic experience. Patient demographics, operative times, complications, conversion rates, pathologic results, and length of stay were analyzed. Results: 181 patients (105 robotic and 76 laparoscopic) met inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference between the two groups in median age, uterine weight, bilateral pelvic or aortic lymph node counts, or complication rates in patients whose surgeries were completed minimally invasively. Despite a higher BMI (34 vs. 29, P < 0.001), the estimated blood loss (100 vs. 250 mL, P < 0.001), transfusion rate (3% vs. 18%, RR 0.18, 95%CI 0.05-0.64, P = 0.002), laparotomy conversion rate (12% vs. 26%, RR 0.47, 95%CI 0.25-0.89, P = 0.017), and length of stay (median: 1 vs. 2 nights, P < 0.001) were lower in the robotic patients compared to the laparoscopic cohort. The odds ratio of conversion to laparotomy based on BMI for robotics compared to laparoscopy is 0.20 (95% CI 0.08-0.56, P = 0.002). The mean skin to skin time (242 vs. 287 min, P < 0.001) and total room time (305 vs. 336 min, P < 0.001) was shorter for the robotic cohort. Conclusion: Robotic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy for endometrial carcinoma can be accomplished in heavier patients and results in shorter operating times and hospital length of stay, a lower transfusion rate, and less frequent conversion to laparotomy when compared to laparoscopic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Veljovich DS, Paley PJ, Drescher CW, Everett EN, Shah C, Peters WA, 3rd. Robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology: program initiation and outcomes after the first year with comparison with laparotomy for endometrial cancer staging. Am J Obstet Gynecol2008 Jun;198(6):679 e1-9; discussion  e9-10.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate outcomes during the first year of a robotic surgery program in gynecologic oncology. STUDY DESIGN: We studied the initiation of a robotic surgery program with prospective data collection, including intraoperative times, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), lymph node yields, and complications. Patients were compared with historical and contemporary open staging surgery for endometrial cancer. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen patients underwent robotic surgery (mean age 52.5 years, body mass index of 26.3 kg/m(2), hospital stay of 32.4 hours), with 8 major and 13 minor complications. Compared with open endometrial staging (n = 131), the robotic procedure (n = 25) was longer (283 vs 139 minutes, P < .0001), had less blood loss (66.6 vs 197.6 mL, P < .0001), and had shorter length of stay (40.3 vs 127 hours, P < .0001) with comparable node yields (17.5 vs 13.1, P = .1109). CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery is feasible in gynecologic oncology and facilitated a dramatic expansion in our minimally invasive surgical practice. Despite longer operative times, EBL and LOS are reduced and lymph node yields are comparable.

da Vinci® Surgery for Gynecologic Conditions
Kim YT, Kim SW, Jung YW. Robotic surgery in gynecologic field. Yonsei Med J 2008 Dec 31;49(6):886-90.
Operative laparoscopy was initially developed in the field of gynecology earlier on and the advent of laparoscopic surgery led to advances in general surgery as well. In the last few years, a number of articles have been published on the performance of surgical procedures using the robot-assisted laparoscopy. The shortcomings of conventional laparoscopy have led to the development of robotic surgical system and future of telerobotic surgery is not far away, enabling a surgeon to operate at a distance from the operating table. The complete loss of tactile sensation is often quoted as a big disadvantage of working with robotic systems. Although the first generation da Vinci robotic surgical system provides improved imaging and instrumentation, the absence of tactile feedback and the high cost of the technology remain as limitations. New generations of the robotic surgical systems have been developed, allowing visualization of preoperative imaging during the operation. Though the introduction of robotics is very recent, the potential for robotics in several specialties is significant. However, the benefit to patients must be carefully evaluated and proven before this technology can become widely accepted in the gynecologic surgery.

da Vinci® Myomectomy
Advincula AP, Xu X, Goudeau St, Ransom SB. Robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy versus abdominal myomectomy: A comparison of short-term surgical outcomes and immediate costs. J Minim Invasive Gynecol2007 Nov-Dec;14(6):698-705.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes of myomectomy by robot-assisted laparoscopy with those performed by traditional laparotomy and to analyze the financial impact of these 2 approaches. DESIGN: Retrospective case-matched analysis (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 58 patients with symptomatic leiomyomata. INTERVENTION: Myomectomy by robot-assisted laparoscopy or traditional laparotomy was administered. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: An equal number of case-matched patients based on age, body mass index, and myoma weight were analyzed in each group. Among these 3 variables, there were no statistically significant differences between the robotic and laparotomy groups. Mean age was 36.59 +/- 4.93 years (95% CI 34.71-38.46 years) versus 34.86 +/- 4.41 years (95% CI 33.18-36.54 years), mean body mass index was 25.22 +/- 3.85 kg/m(2) (90% central range [CR] 20.30-31.20 kg/m(2)) versus 28.3 +/- 6.95 kg/m(2) (90% CR 21.50-42.80 kg/m(2)), and mean myoma weight was 227.86 +/- 247.54 g (90% CR 11.60-680.00 g) versus 223.76 +/- 228.28 g (90% CR 11.50-660.00 g), respectively. Patients with robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy had decreased estimated blood loss (mean 195.69 +/- 228.55 mL [90% CR 50.00-700.00 mL] vs mean 364.66 +/- 473.28 mL [90% CR 75.00-1550.00 mL]) and length of stay (mean 1.48 +/- 0.95 days [90% CR 1.00-3.00 days] vs mean 3.62 +/- 1.50 days [90% CR 3.00-8.00 days]) when compared with the laparotomy group. Both of these differences were statistically significant at p <.05. Operative times were significantly longer in the robotic group: mean 231.38 +/- 85.10 minutes (95% CI 199.01-263.75 minutes) versus mean 154.41 +/- 43.14 minutes (95% CI 138.00-170.82 minutes, p <.05) in the laparotomy group. Complication rates were higher in the laparotomy group. Professional charges (mean $5946.48 +/- $1447.17 [90% CR $4034.46-$8937.00] vs mean $4664.48 +/- $642.11 [90% CR $3944.36-$6010.90, p <.0002]) and hospital charges (mean $30084.20 +/- $6689.29 [90% CR $22939.81-$45588.22] vs mean $13400.62 +/- $7747.26 [90% CR $8703.20-$26771.22, p <.0001]) were statistically higher for the robotic group. Although professional reimbursement was not significantly different between groups (mean $2263.02 +/- $1354.97 [90% CR $0.00- $4831.08] versus mean $1841.99 +/- $827.51 [90% CR $0.00-$3376.97, p = .2831]), mean hospital reimbursement rates for the robotic group were significantly higher: $13181.39 +/- $10752.00 (90% CR $1081.76-$37396.03) versus $7015.24 +/- $3467.97 (90% CR $2492.48-$10394.83, p = .0372). CONCLUSION: As a new technology, it is not unexpected that a robotic approach to myomectomy costs more than a traditional laparotomy. On the other hand, decreased estimated blood loss, complication rates, and length of stay with the robotic approach in the end may prove to have a significant societal benefit that will outweigh upfront financial impact.

Delotte J, Karimdjee B, Bouaziz J, Trastour C, Bernard JL, Benchimol D, Bongain A. Feasibility and preliminary experiment of a routine use of Da-Vinci S® in fertility surgery. Journal de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Biologie de la Reproduction 2008 Dec;37(8):753-7. Epub 2008 Oct 26
Objectives: The goal of our study is to evaluate the use of Da-Vinci S® in the field of fertility laparoscopic surgery. Materials and methods: Ten successive patients were included for a laparoscopic fertility surgery using the Da-Vinci S®. Surgical feasibility, operating time, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications have been analyzed. Results: All procedures have been completed using Da-Vinci S®. Conclusion: In our preliminary surgical experience, the Da-Vinci S® can be technically used in the field of fertility surgery. © 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Pitter MC, Anderson P, Blissett A, Pemberton N. Robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery-establishing training criteria; minimizing operative time and blood loss. Int J Med Robot2008 Jun;4(2):114-20.
BACKGROUND: The objective was an evaluation of operative time and estimated blood loss (EBL) as a function of experience in gynaecological robotic surgery. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 40 consecutive cases (approximately one case/week) over a 1 year period using the da Vinci) robotic system was performed, using data from two institutions, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center. Information was obtained from a single surgeon. Among the 40 cases there were 17 hysterectomies and 23 myomectomies. Each patient met the criteria of benign disease. In each institution, a da Vinci) system using three instrument arms and a camera arm was employed for every operation. RESULTS: Tests of differences in means were performed to compare the two groups. In group I (cases 1-20) the mean uterine volume was 863.0 cc and was similar to Group II (cases 21-40) at 632.6 cc. There was no significant difference between the groups when comparing blood loss; means were 86 cc for group I and 62.5 cc for group II. Operative time between groups, however, showed a significant difference (mean of 211.8 min for group 1 compared to 151 min for group 2; p < 0.05) and console time demonstrated a similar trend (mean for group 1 was 159.8 min compared to 90.8 min for group 2; p < 0.05). There were no conversions to laparotomy. Body mass index (BMI) and prior abdominal surgery were not significantly different. Multivariate regressions on operative time and EBL were performed, controlling for uterine weight and volume. The effect of experience on operative time was significant and negative; the coefficient on EBL was not significant. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates statistical improvement in operative time after the first 20 cases for a single surgeon. This information could be used to establish criteria for training surgeons.

da Vinci® Surgery for Cervical Insufficiency
Barmat L, Glaser G, Davis G, Craparo F. Da Vinci-assisted abdominal cerclage. Fertil Steril2007 Nov;88(5):1437 e1-3.
OBJECTIVE: To report the first placement of an abdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage using the da Vinci robot. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Tertiary-care hospital. PATIENT(S): A 39-year-old female with a history of cervical insufficiency who required a cerclage and was not a candidate for transvaginal cerclage placement. INTERVENTION(S): Abdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage placement using the da Vinci robot. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ability to safely and successfully place an abdominal cerclage using the da Vinci robot. RESULT(S): Abdominal cerclage was successfully placed using the da Vinci robot. The patient had minimal blood loss and was discharged to home on the same day as surgery. CONCLUSION(S): Da Vinci robot-assisted abdominal cerclage placement is an innovative application of robotic surgery and may alter the standard of care for women who require this surgery.

da Vinci® Surgery for Obstetric Complications
Persson J, Gunnarson G, Lindahl B. Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery of a 12-week scar pregnancy with temporary occlusion of the uterine blood supply. Journal of Robotic Surgery 2009:1-3.
A Cesarean section scar pregnancy is a serious obstetric complication. For all treatment modalities there are risks of heavy bleeding and emergency hysterectomy. Here we report the use of the da Vinci robot for removal of the pregnancy with adequate bleeding control. A 36-year-old para-3 was diagnosed having a 11 + 3 week live cesarean scar pregnancy and a complete placenta previa. S-hCG was 52 726 IU/l. One week after methotrexate treatment the pregnancy was uneventfully and completely removed by robot-assisted laparoscopy with minimal blood loss. The uterine defect was repaired. Bleeding was controlled by temporary application of metal clips to the distal internal iliac arteries and the propria ligaments. Postoperative color Doppler ultrasonography revealed normal uterine blood flow, a repaired uterine defect, and no remaining pregnancy tissue. S-hCG was normalized (<3 IU/l) 38 days after surgery. Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery with temporary occlusion of the main uterine blood supply is a feasible and safe technique for surgery of a Cesarean scar pregnancy. © 2009 Springer-Verlag London Ltd.

da Vinci® Parametrectomy    
Ramirez PT, Schmeler KM, Wolf JK, Brown J, Soliman PT. Robotic radical parametrectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with invasive cervical cancer. Gynecologic Oncology 2008 Oct;111(1):18-21. Epub 2008 Jul 18.
Objective: We describe a series of patients diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer after undergoing simple hysterectomy who subsequently underwent robotic radical parametrectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The goal of this study is to report on the safety and feasibility of robotic radical parametrectomy. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent robotic radical parametrectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy at our institution during the period December 2006 to February 2008. We analyzed our data to evaluate the safety and feasibility of performing robotic radical parametrectomy. Results: This analysis included 5 patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. The median body mass index was 23.8 kg/m2 (range, 17.7 to 26.5). The median operative time was 365 min (range, 331 to 430). The median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (range, 50 to 175). There were no conversions to laparotomy. There was 1 intraoperative complication-cystotomy. No patient required blood transfusion. The median length of hospital stay was 1 day (range, 1 to 2). One patient experienced two postoperative complications, a vesicovaginal fistula and a lymphocyst. No patient had residual tumor in the parametrectomy specimen, and no patient underwent adjuvant therapy. The median number of pelvic lymph nodes removed was 14 (range, 6 to 16). The median follow-up for all patients was 7.5 months (range, 1.3 to 13.8). There were no recurrences. Conclusion: Robotic radical parametrectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is feasible and safe and can be performed with an acceptable complication rate. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

da Vinci® Trachelectomy
Geisler JP, Orr CJ, Manahan KJ. Robotically assisted total laparoscopic radical trachelectomy for fertility sparing in stage IB1 adenosarcoma of the cervix. Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques2008;18(5):727-9.
Adenosarcomas are rare cervical tumors with unknown optimal treatment, which often affects young women. A 23-year-old woman was found to have a stage IB1 adenosarcoma of the cervix. She underwent a robotically assisted total laparoscopic radical trachelectomy with the placement of abdominal cerclage for the sparing of fertility. © 2008 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.
PN 870120 Rev A 6/09