Robotic-Assisted vs Conventional Laparoscopy for Endometrial Cancer Staging: A Comparative Two-Center Study

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Endometrial cancer treatment often involves surgical intervention.
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a standard approach.
• Advancements in surgical robotics offer potential benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare surgical outcomes between conventional laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic approaches for endometrial cancer.
• To evaluate differences in blood loss, operative time, and complication rates.
• To assess the impact on lymph node retrieval.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, two-center case-control study.
• Analysis of 136 patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer (Jan 2020-Jan 2025).
• Comparison of estimated blood loss, hemoglobin/hematocrit decrease, operative time, and complication rates.

Main Results:

• Robotic-assisted surgery showed significantly lower blood loss (100 vs 200 mL) and reduced hemoglobin/hematocrit decrease.
• Robotic procedures yielded a greater number of pelvic lymph nodes (median 4 vs 2).
• Operative times were longer for robotic procedures (146 vs 120 min), with comparable complication and conversion rates.

Conclusions:

• Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective alternative for endometrial cancer.
• It offers advantages in blood loss reduction and lymph node yield.
• Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm findings and evaluate cost-effectiveness.