Robotic, Laparoscopic Surgery Compared in Endometrial Cancer

Patients with endometrial cancer who have minimally invasive robotic-assisted hysterectomies tend to have quicker surgeries and shorter hospital stays compared with patients who have similar laparoscopic surgical procedures, according to new research from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer–James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

Until now, little data existed to confirm the benefit of minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery for patients with endometrial cancer. The findings are published online in the journal Gynecologic Oncology, and were also presented during a national meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, Feb 5–8, in San Antonio, Tex.

The study analyzed the results of surgeries for 105 patients conducted at The James between March 2006 and April 2008 using the da Vinci robot, compared to 76 patients who received minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer, said principal investigator Jeffrey M. Fowler, MD, director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and chief of staff at The James.

Benefits of Robotic Approach
“Our study found that robotic hysterectomy and lymph node removal for uterine cancer results in shorter hospital stays and faster overall recovery with fewer complications compared with laparoscopic surgery,” said Dr. Fowler, who also is a researcher at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. “While this is still a major surgery, robotassisted minimally invasive methods can greatly reduce blood loss, pain and scarring, and risk of infection. We can now also use the technology in heavier patients.”

He continued, “Typically, patients with uterine cancer tend to be overweight or obese with high blood pressure and diabetes, and therefore are at greater risk for postsurgical complications, especially wound healing. Our study showed that overweight or obese patients can benefit most from this approach.”