Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted on 30 patients who were suffering from early-stage cervical or endometrial cancer. These patients underwent a surgical procedure called a “Robotic Radical Hysterectomy” from August 2019 to February 2020. In this procedure, a new robotic system was used to remove the uterus, part of the vagina, and other surrounding tissues.

The main aim of the study was to see if the procedure could be done easily, if it was safe and if it was effective in treating the cancer. The surgeries were all performed by the same surgeon.

The results showed that on average, the surgery took about 104 minutes, the patients lost about 60 ml of blood and had to stay in the hospital for a little over 2 days. Most of the patients didn’t need a catheter (a tube to help with urination) after a week.

However, two patients had a complication where a fistula (an abnormal connection) formed between the ureter (the duct by which urine passes from the kidney to the bladder) and the vagina. One patient was treated by inserting a Double J stent (a tube that helps urine to flow from the kidneys to the bladder) and the other patient had a laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy (a surgical procedure to repair the ureter).

Overall, the study showed that using the Versius robotic system for radical hysterectomy is feasible, safe, and effective.

FAQs

  1. What is the main objective of this study on radical hysterectomy?
  2. What were the results and findings of the study on robotic radical hysterectomy?
  3. What complications were observed during the study of radical hysterectomy using the Versius robotic system?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical hysterectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It is important to communicate any concerns or symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical hysterectomy include those with early stage cervical cancer or endometrial cancer. These patients should be in good general condition with controlled medical comorbidities. The procedure is usually recommended for patients who have not responded to other treatment options or for those who have a high risk of cancer recurrence. It is important for patients to be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine if radical hysterectomy is the best treatment option for their specific situation.

Timeline

Before radical hysterectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with early cervical/endometrial cancer
  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation to assess general condition and comorbidities
  • Surgery is scheduled with a single surgeon
  • Patient is prepared for surgery, including discussions about potential risks and benefits
  • Surgery is performed using a new robotic system
  • Operative time is approximately 104 minutes
  • Mean total lymph node yield is 24.7
  • Average blood loss is 60 ml
  • Hospital stay is 2.1 days

After radical hysterectomy:

  • Majority of patients are catheter free by 1 week post-surgery
  • Two patients develop uretero-vaginal fistula on the 8th day of surgery
  • One patient is managed with Double J stenting
  • The other patient undergoes laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy
  • Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of robotic radical hysterectomy by the new system is demonstrated.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a radical hysterectomy using a robotic system?

  2. How does the recovery process differ between a robotic radical hysterectomy and traditional open surgery?

  3. How long will it take to fully recover after a robotic radical hysterectomy?

  4. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after the surgery?

  5. What are the chances of the cancer returning after a radical hysterectomy?

  6. How often will I need to have follow-up appointments or screenings to monitor for any recurrence of cancer?

  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery?

  8. How experienced is the surgeon in performing robotic radical hysterectomies, and what is their success rate with this procedure?

  9. Will I be able to have children after a radical hysterectomy, and are there any fertility preservation options available?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before deciding on a radical hysterectomy?

Reference

Authors: Puntambekar SP, Goel A, Chandak S, Chitale M, Hivre M, Chahal H, Rajesh KN, Manerikar K. Journal: J Robot Surg. 2021 Jun;15(3):451-456. doi: 10.1007/s11701-020-01127-x. Epub 2020 Jul 24. PMID: 32710253