Single-site robotic total hysterectomy: standardization of technique and surgical outcomes

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of robotic single-site total hysterectomy and to compare the outcomes of newly implemented robotic single-site bipolar and external vessel-sealing device.

Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

University hospital.

Twenty-four patients with benign indications for hysterectomy.

All patients underwent robotic-assisted single-incision transumbilical total hysterectomy using the novel da Vinci Single-Site Platform. Vaginal cuff closures were performed intracorporeally using the same technique in all cases.

The median age of the patients was 49.5 years (range, 40-61), and body mass index was 28.5 (range, 21-34). Blood loss was 22.5 mL (range, 7-120 mL). Docking time was 5.5 minutes (range, 3-10 minutes), console time was 74.5 minutes (range, 60-160 minutes), vaginal cuff closure time was 25 minutes (range, 16-41 minutes), and total operative time was 98.5 minutes (range, 71-183 minutes). When 2 groups were created according to the energy devices used during the procedures, console time in the newly implemented bipolar group was shorter than in the external sealing device group (69.5 minutes vs. 77 minutes; p = .03); however, no differences were found for uterus removal time (50.5 minutes vs. 53.5 minutes; p = .13). Differences were observed in vaginal cuff closure time (18.5 minutes vs 23 minutes; p = .01).

Robotic single-site total hysterectomy using a newly implemented bipolar grasping instrument and even with intracorporeal cuff closure is a safe and feasible procedure in appropriately selected patients.