Comparison between Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective. To compare the operative outcomes in patients who underwent robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy (RLH) versus total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Study Design. Retrospective chart review. All women who underwent RLH in hospital A and TLH in hospital B by a single surgeon were included. Results. 136 patients were included (73 in the RLH group and 63 in the TLH group). There were no conversions to laparotomy in the RLH group versus 7 (11.1%) in the TLH group (P = 0.004). The mean induction time was significantly greater (by 6 minutes) for RLH, independent of docking time, as compared to TLH (P < 0.001). Total procedure time was significantly less in the RLH group (82 minutes) as compared to TLH (108 minutes) (P = 0.001). Mean blood loss was less for RLH (46 mL) as compared to TLH (114 mL) (P < 0.001). A greater number of patients who underwent RLH were discharged on postoperative day 0 as compared to those receiving TLH (P = 0.055). Conclusion. RLH is a safe alternative to TLH and may offer some operative advantages, including fewer conversions to laparotomy, reduced procedure time, less blood loss, and earlier discharge.