Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy Versus Abdominal Myomectomy A Retrospective Comparison of Short-Term Surgical Outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraoperative and postoperative surgical outcomes of robotic versus abdominal myomectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was performed using electronic medical records from January 1, 2008-December 31, 2011, with 2008 being the first year that robotic assisted myomectomy was performed at our institution. Intraoperative outcome data and postoperative complications were reviewed as well as length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 214 abdominal myomectomy cases and 165 robotic-assisted laparoscopic cases were available for review. Total operating time in minutes was significantly longer for the robotic-assisted cases (236 +/- 96) versus the abdominal cases (110 +/- 46). Total myoma weight in grams removed was significantly greater in the abdominal myomectomy cases (391 +/- 518) versus the robot-assisted cases (229 +/- 253): Length of stay in days was longer for abdominal cases as compared to robotic (3.3 +/- 1.2 vs. 1.6 +/- 1). Estimated blood loss in milliliters was similar between abdominal and robotic cases (258 +/- 335 vs. 241 +/- 370). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted and abdominal myomectomies have similar surgical outcomes. However, the longer total operating time for robotic-assisted myomectomies is a drawback which may not be completely offset by the benefit of a shorter hospital stay.