The benefits and challenges of robotic-assisted hysterectomy

Noam Smorgick*, Sawsan As-Sanie

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of review: To analyze the recent evidence on robotic hysterectomy while highlighting its benefits and challenges. Recent findings: Increased rates of robotic hysterectomy have led to decreasing rates of abdominal hysterectomy, after rates of the latter approach have been stagnant for many years. Robotic surgery has also the possible advantage of a relatively short learning curve, even though the case number required to reach proficiency may be actually closer to 100 cases. Recent studies comparing robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications have not demonstrated a clear advantage for either approach in terms of complications, blood loss, and hospital stay. The higher cost of robotic hysterectomy remains a significant disadvantage of this surgical approach, although the total cost may decrease with increasing surgeon's experience (via shorter operative time) and may be offset in some circumstances by reduced hospital stay and cost of complications compared with abdominal hysterectomy. Summary: The place of robotic hysterectomy in the gynecologic surgical armamentarium is still evolving. Although recent studies highlight the comparative outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign cases, most surgeons are unlikely to be equally proficient in both techniques. Future studies will need to question whether subgroups of patients with complex benign disease such as endometriosis and pelvic adhesive disease may benefit from the robotic assistance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)290-294
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume26
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Learning curve
  • Robotic surgery
  • Robotic-assisted hysterectomy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The benefits and challenges of robotic-assisted hysterectomy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this