Enhanced recovery programme in robotic hysterectomy

The standard care for endometrial cancer includes total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, peritoneal washings with or without bilateral pelvic and/or paraaortic lymph node dissection/sampling with or without omental biopsy or omentectomy. The aim of this narrative review is to present the advantages of robotic surgery in combination with the enhanced recovery programme to offer better care to patients with endometrial cancer. The authors argue that a well-organised service for robotic hysterectomy should be set up in all hospitals. As part of this, an enhanced recovery programme including the following elements should be implemented: patient education, preoperative carbohydrate drinks, spinal or local analgesia, goal-directed fluid therapy, early feeding and intensive early mobilisation. The enhanced recovery programme includes pre, intra and postoperative changes in patient management. A comprehensive enhanced recovery programme starting in the preoperative setting and extending through to the patient's discharge, combined with robotic approach, could lead to optimal care of patients with endometrial cancer.