Solo surgery - Early results of robot-assisted three-dimensional laparoscopic hysterectomy

Objective: Report of our initial experience in laparoscopic hysterectomy by a solo surgeon using a robotic camera system with three-dimensional visualisation. Material and methods: This novel device (Einstein Vision (R), B. Braun, Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany) (EV) was used for laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) performed by one surgeon. Demographic data, clinical and surgical parameters were evaluated. Our first 22 cases, performed between June and November 2012, were compared with a cohort of 22 age-matched controls who underwent two-dimensional LASH performed by the same surgeon with a second surgeon assisting. Results: Compared to standard two-dimensional laparoscopic hysterectomy, there were no significant differences regarding duration of surgery, hospital stay, blood loss or incidence of complications. The number of trocars used was significantly higher in the control group (p <.0001). All hysterectomies in the treatment group were performed without assistance of a second physician. Conclusions: Robot-assisted solo surgery laparoscopic hysterectomy is a feasible and safe procedure. Duration of surgery, hospital stay, blood loss, and complication rates are comparable to a conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy.