First experience of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute using the robot-assisted laparoscopic approach in radical hysterectomies for cervical cancer.

AIM OF WORK: Robotics in surgery led to an improvement of visualization, a better handling of tissues and better suturing. This study aimed to document the first experience of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute (NCI) using the robot-assisted laparoscopic approach in radical hysterectomies for cervical cancer and to highlight observed advantages, disadvantages, morbidity and oncological outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of cases that had either early cervical cancer (stage IB-IIA1 with a tumor ≥2 cm) or locally advanced cervical cancer (Stage IIA2-IIB after chemo-radiotherapy) were collected prospectively. Study patients underwent robotic radical hysterectomies for their cervical cancers at the NCI, Cairo University, between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016. For each patient, duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, and intra-operative complications were recorded. Similarly, the duration of postoperative hospital-stay, analgesia used and post-operative gastrointestinal recovery were documented. Pathological assessment of safety margins and the lymph nodes number yield were also assessed.

RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent robotic radical hysterectomy during the study period. Twelve cases had early cervical cancer while 8 suffered locally advanced disease. The mean procedure time was 319 (range 240-560) minutes; the mean blood loss was 309 (range 150-600) ml. Three cases had bladder injuries during their procedures. The median hospital stay was 6 (range 4-10) days. One case had a positive margin. The median of lymph nodes yield number was 15 (range 10-25). Follow-up ranged 9-31 months, with only one case developing local recurrence.

CONCLUSION: Robotic radical hysterectomy is a feasible approach with a tolerable rate of complications.