Route of Surgery for Sentinel Node Biopsy in Endometrial Cancer: Laparoscopy Versus Robotics

Abstract

Background/Objective: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is an accepted technique for the nodal staging of early-stage endometrial cancer. It is carried out commonly by minimally invasive approach, either by laparoscopy or robotics-assisted surgery. The primary aim of this study was to compare the detection rate of SLN mapping between laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Methods: A retrospective observational study including patients operated on from February 2024 to March 2025, diagnosed with endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and SLN mapping. Among a total of 60 patients, 38 (63.3%) underwent laparoscopic surgery and 22 (36.7%) robotic surgery. We compared SLN detection rate and perioperative outcomes between the two routes of approach. Results: No significant differences were observed in the overall and bilateral SLN detection rate between laparoscopic and robotic surgery (97.3% and 84.2% vs. 95.5% and 91%, respectively). Significant differences were observed in operative time, with a median of 125 vs. 110 min (p = 0.004), and in hospital stay, with a median of 3 vs. 2 days (p = 0.002), with both being shorter in the robotic surgery group. No differences were observed in terms of number of SLN detected, percentage of positive nodes, intra or postoperative complications rate, or percentage of conversion to laparotomy. Conclusions: No differences were found in SLN detection rates between laparoscopic and robotic surgery. However, robotic surgery demonstrated advantages in terms of reduced operative time and shorter hospital stay.