Learning Curve of Robotic-assisted Hysterectomy With Pelvic Lymphadenectomy for Early Stage Endometrial Cancer: Analysis of 81 Cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve of robotic hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early-stage endometrial carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on the first 81 surgeries performed by a single surgeon. The 81 cases were divided into three groups; 4 subgroups of 20 cases each, 3 subgroups of 27 cases each, and 2 subgroups of 40 cases each. The surgical outcomes in each group were analyzed, using operative time, estimated blood loss, and the number of lymph nodes resected. RESULTS: The median operating time, estimated blood loss, and number of pelvic lymph nodes were 147 min, 50 g and 23, respectively. The estimated blood loss improved over time significantly, when dividing by every 27 and 40 cases. No statistical significance was shown regarding operative time and the number of lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Approximately, 30 cases were needed to gain proficiency in the surgical technique.