Feasibility of two robotic single‐site surgery techniques for adolescent endometriosis: Focal versus butterfly

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the feasibility of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for the treatment of adolescent endometriosis (n = 36). Additionally, we assessed a novel technique known as butterfly resection for severe cases. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of women from 12 to 21 years old who received therapeutic robotic LESS for symptomatic endometriosis by a single experienced surgeon. RESULTS: There were 32 cases of peritoneal and four cases of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Focal resection was performed in 9/32 peritoneal and all DIE cases; butterfly resection was performed in the remaining 23/32 peritoneal. At 3 months, 16/23 had complete resolution of pelvic pain in the butterfly group versus 10/13 in the focal group (P = 0.64). CONCLUSION: Robotic LESS produces safe outcomes with low complication rates. Butterfly resection may be considered for extensive lesions, with similar levels of pain relief compared to traditional focal resection techniques. CAPSULE: Single-site robotic surgery produces safe outcomes with low complication rates in adolescents with endometriosis, with techniques customized based on disease severity.