Robotic radical hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: Advanced laparoscopic procedures are increasing being used in gynecologic surgery. The da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA) can further augment laparoscopic surgery. We describe our initial experience using the da Vinci robotic system to perform radical hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty consecutive patients with primary stage IB-IIA cervical carcinoma underwent class 3 radical hysterectomy with the use of the da Vinci robotic system. Median age was 44 years, median weight was 69.9 kg, 65% of patients had medical comorbidity, and 40% had prior abdominal surgery. RESULTS: All 20 patients successfully underwent robotic radical hysterectomy. Median operative time was 6.5 hours (3.5-8.5 hours) and median blood loss was 300 mL. All patients were discharged on the first day after surgery. At median follow-up of 2 years (0.6-3 years), 90% of patients are alive and disease free. CONCLUSION: We report the first series of robotic radical hysterectomy for early stage cervical cancer. All cases were successfully performed robotically with minimal complications and all patients were discharged on postoperative day 1.