Single incision trans-umbilical total hysterectomy: robotic or laparoscopic?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the early surgical outcomes in patients who underwent total hysterectomy with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS-TH) versus robotic single-site total hysterectomy (RSS-TH).

METHODS

Twenty-four patients who underwent RSS-​TH and thirty-four patients who underwent LESS-TH were retrospectively evaluated. Patient characteristics, operation time, intraoperative data (conversions, complications, estimated blood loss, etc.) and postoperative pain scores were compared.

RESULTS

The total operation time was significantly longer in the robotic surgery group, with a time of 98.5 vs. 86 min (p = 0.013), while vaginal closure time was significantly higher in the laparoscopic surgery group (p = 0.011). Intraoperative outcomes and postoperative pain scores were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

RSS-TH helps surgeons to overcome the technical disadvantages of LESS-TH, particularly vaginal cuff closure, ergonomics and instrument crowding and clashing. Early surgical outcomes are comparable in the two groups, and both techniques are safe and feasible.