Robotic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical carcinoma: A pilot study

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and surgical outcome of robotic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage I cervical carcinoma using the da Vinci surgical system. Methods. A retrospective clinical review was performed of ten patients with FIGO stage IA2-IB1 cervical carcinoma who underwent a total robotic approach for definitive surgical treatment. Patient status was estimated in terms of operative morbidity, length of surgery, docking time, estimated blood loss, yield of pelvic lymph node and hospital stay. Results. All operations were completed robotically with no conversions to laparotomy. Mean operative time was 207 min (range 120 to 240 min). Mean docking time was 26 min (range 10 to 45 min). Mean estimated blood loss was 355 mL. The average number of pelvic lymph nodes resected was 27.6 (range 12 to 52). There were no ureteral injuries or fistula complications. Conclusions. Robotic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for selected patients with stage IB1 cervical cancer is feasible, promising and related with a low morbidity in this pilot study. Only prospective randomized trials will permit the evaluation of potential benefits associated with this surgical technique. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.