Our Summary

This paper discusses the benefits of using endoscopic procedures in surgery, particularly the introduction of robotic surgery. The researchers used the terms “Alf-X”, “Senhance”, “robot”, or “robotic” to search for relevant studies in the PubMed and Scopus databases. They analyzed eight studies and took into account factors such as the study design, number of patients involved, operation time, estimated blood loss, rate of conversion to standard laparoscopy or laparotomy, post-operative complications, and length of hospital stay after the operation.

The researchers found that the average operation time for a total hysterectomy was between 110-140 minutes. Two studies showed that robotic procedures took significantly longer than standard laparoscopic ones. The estimated blood loss was less than or equal to 100 ml in all studies. There were no significant differences in the rate of conversion to laparotomy in the two case-control studies. All studies reported an average hospital stay of two days after a total hysterectomy and one day after adnexal surgery.

FAQs

  1. What factors were considered in the analysis of the studies on robotic surgery?
  2. How does the operation time and blood loss compare between robotic procedures and standard laparoscopic ones?
  3. What was the average length of hospital stay after a total hysterectomy or adnexal surgery performed with robotic procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about robotic surgery is that it can result in less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and potentially faster recovery times compared to traditional laparoscopic or open surgeries. Additionally, robotic surgery can provide better precision and dexterity for the surgeon, leading to potentially better outcomes for the patient. It is important for patients to discuss the benefits and risks of robotic surgery with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the best option for their specific medical condition.

Suitable For

Based on the findings of this paper, robotic surgery may be recommended for patients undergoing total hysterectomy or adnexal surgery. These procedures have been shown to have low estimated blood loss, low rates of conversion to laparotomy, and relatively short hospital stays. Patients who may benefit from robotic surgery include those with gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or ovarian cysts. Additionally, patients who are not candidates for traditional open surgery or who prefer a minimally invasive approach may also be recommended for robotic surgery.

Timeline

Before robotic surgery:

  • Patient undergoes consultations with their healthcare provider to determine if they are a candidate for robotic surgery
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative testing and imaging studies
  • Patient is informed about the procedure, benefits, and potential risks
  • Surgery date is scheduled and patient prepares for the procedure

After robotic surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room immediately after surgery
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort, which is managed with medication
  • Patient may be discharged from the hospital within a few days, depending on the type of surgery performed
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for post-operative care and monitoring
  • Patient may experience a quicker recovery and less scarring compared to traditional surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific robotic surgery system will be used for my procedure?
  2. How experienced is the surgical team with performing robotic surgeries?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with robotic surgery?
  4. How does the recovery time and outcome compare to traditional laparoscopic or open surgery?
  5. Will I need any special preparation or follow-up care for robotic surgery?
  6. Are there any specific criteria that make me a good candidate for robotic surgery?
  7. Can you explain the potential benefits of robotic surgery for my specific condition?
  8. How will my insurance coverage be affected by choosing robotic surgery over traditional methods?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing robotic surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about robotic surgery to help me make an informed decision?

Reference

Authors: Rumolo V, Rosati A, Tropea A, Biondi A, Scambia G. Journal: Updates Surg. 2019 Sep;71(3):419-427. doi: 10.1007/s13304-018-00620-1. Epub 2019 Jan 18. PMID: 30659479