title: Solo surgery--early results of robot-assisted three-dimensional laparoscopic hysterectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Report of our initial experience in laparoscopic hysterectomy by a solo surgeon using a robotic camera system with three-dimensional visualisation.
  
  
  METHODS
  This novel device (Einstein Vision®, 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Heidelberg University , Mannheim , Germany.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tuschy
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Berlit
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brade
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sütterlin
authors.forename: Amadeus
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hornemann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D015994:Incidence; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Robot-assisted; hysterectomy; laparoscopy; solo surgery; three-dimensional