Preliminary experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy

The following retrospective case series evaluated the technique and feasibility of integrating robot-assisted technology in the performance of a laparoscopic myomectomy in order to overcome the limitations of conventional laparoscopy. We attempted 35 robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomies in a university hospital setting with a conversion rate of 8.6%. There were a total of 48 myomas removed in 31 patients with completed robot-assisted laparoscopy. The mean number of myomas removed/patient was 7.6 (range 1-5). The mean diameter of myomas removed was 7.9 ± 3.5 cm (95% CI 6.63-9.13), with the majority greater than 5 cm. The mean myoma weight was 223.2 ± 244.1 g (95% CI 135.8-310.6). Mean operating time was 230.8 ± 83 minutes (95% CI 201.6-260). The average estimated blood loss was 169 ± 198.7 ml (95% CI 99.1-238.4). One patient experienced cardiogenic shock from vasopressin, two developed postoperative infections, and one was found to have adenomatous adenomyosis instead of a leiomyoma. The median length of hospital stay was 1 day. Overall, robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy is a promising new technique that may overcome many of the surgical limitations of conventional laparoscopy.