title: Analysis of the learning curve for robotic hysterectomy for benign gynaecological disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective was to evaluate the learning curve for performing a robotic hysterectomy to treat benign gynaecological disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six patients underwent robotic hysterectomy for benign indications. A systematic chart review of consecutive cases was conducted. The collected data included age, BMI, operating time, set-up time, docking time, uterine weight, blood loss, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, conversions to laparotomy and length of hospital stay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operating, set-up and docking times were 169 ± 54.5, 52.9 ± 12.4 and 7.8 ± 7.6 min, respectively. The learning curve analysis revealed a decrease in both docking and operating times, with both curves plateauing after case 9.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The learning curve analysis revealed a decrease in docking time and operating time after case 9, suggesting that there might be a fast, learning curve for experienced laparoscopic surgeons to master robotic hysterectomy, and that the docking process does not have a significant negative influence on the overall operating time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Fatih
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sendag
authors.forename: Burak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zeybek
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akdemir
authors.forename: Banu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ozgurel
authors.forename: Kemal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Oztekin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D059032:Learning Curve; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures; D013997:Time Factors; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology
keywords: hysterectomy; learning curve; robot