title: Surgical technique enhances the efficiency of robotic hysterectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits and morbidity associated with a novel technique for a hysterectomy designed specifically for a robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedure. Recent studies have compared robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy vs. open hysterectomy. We have developed a surgical technique that has enabled us to efficiently decrease the standard operative time.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients (55) underwent a robotic-assisted hysterectomy utilizing a novel surgical technique with four specific components, inclusive of the Hem-o-lok® locking clip.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This surgical technique has enabled us to efficiently decrease the standard operative time to an average of 80.9 ± 3.44 min with an estimated blood loss of 63.5 ± 3.76 ml and a hospital stay of 1.3 ± 0.15 days, with minimal complications during surgery (1.8%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have provided an efficient technique that is safe, easily reproducible and comparable to open hysterectomy operation times.
authors.affiliation: Southeastern Gynecologic Oncology, Saint Josephs Medical Group, Atlanta, GA. gfeuer@aol.com
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Feuer
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hernandez
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016526:Workload