Major Finding: Women having robotic total hysterectomy were older (mean, 51 vs. 44 years), had a lower BMI (27.4 vs. 29.8), and had a lower uterine weight (144 vs. 204 g) than did women who had a laparoscopic total hysterectomy.
Data Source: Retrospective chart review of 380 women who underwent either robotic or laparoscopic total hysterectomy for benign indications.
Disclosures: The researchers received support from the Florida Hospital Continuing Medical Education. Dr. Colimon disclosed no relevant conflicts of interest.
CHICAGO – Surgeons tended to select women who were significantly older and thinner and who had a smaller uterine size for robotic total hysterectomy in a retrospective analysis of 380 women.
Women who underwent robotic total hysterectomy averaged 51 years of age, compared with 44 years among women who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy. They had a body mass index of 27.4 vs. 29.8 kg/m
Charts were reviewed for information regarding pain levels and analgesic use among 162 women who underwent robotic total hysterectomy and 218 women who had laparoscopic total hysterectomy at three urban teaching hospitals in the Southeast in 2008-2009. All surgeries were performed by gynecologists or gynecologic oncologists for benign indications.
Women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy were significantly more likely to stay in the hospital longer than were those undergoing the robotic-assisted approach, said Dr. Colimon of the Florida Hospital in Orlando. Average length of stay was 1.2 days vs. 0.7 days, respectively.
Pain levels were similar in the two groups, but the incidence of patient-controlled analgesia was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group. This finding may be because the laparoscopic group had a longer hospital stay or surgeon preference, Dr. Colimon suggested.