Cosmetic Outcome of Robotic Surgery Compared to Laparoscopic Surgery for Benign Gynecologic Disease

This study was designed to compare patients who have undergone conventional laparoscopic surgery with those who undergone multiport robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecological diseases regarding cosmetic results, patient satisfaction, and quality of life.

Sixty-four patients who underwent either robot-assisted or conventional laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecological diseases from July 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Hospital were enrolled. Patients were evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, visual analog scale for cosmetic satisfaction, body image questionnaire, and 12-item Short Form Survey six months postoperatively.

The median patient assessment scale and observer assessment scale (general) values were significantly higher in the robotic group than in the laparoscopic group. The mean body image questionnaire (cosmetic section) and visual analog scale values were significantly higher in the laparoscopic group than in the robotic group. No significant differences in body image scale, body image questionnaire 9-10, and 12-item Short Form Survey values were observed between the groups. The number of patients with previous surgical history was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group than in the robotic group.

Although esthetic concerns are not a priority consideration when deciding an appropriate surgical method, the higher cosmetic satisfaction rate in the laparoscopic group than in the robotic group suggests that cosmetic results should be discussed with patients after evaluating other factors.