title: A pilot study to assess the feasibility, safety and cost of robotic assisted total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of robotic assisted total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RATHBSO). Sixteen women underwent this new procedure for a variety of gynaecological indications. Outcome measures included operating time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay and cost. No intra-operative complications were recorded. Fifteen patients were discharged on day 1 following the procedure, and one patient stayed an extra day for pain relief. The cost of the procedure compared favourably with other surgical hysterectomy techniques. We conclude that RATHBSO is a feasible and safe surgical technique with all the advantages of minimal access surgery and equivalent cost.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecological Oncology, St Thomas' Hospital, 12th Floor North Wing, Lambeth Palace Rd, London, SE1 7EH, UK. shanti.raju@gstt.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Kankipati Shanti
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Raju
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9QQ, UK.
authors.forename: Andreas John
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Papadopoulos
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Guy's Hospital, St Thomas' Street, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
authors.forename: Mohammad Shamim
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
authors.forename: Prokar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dasgupta
keywords: Cost; Robotic hysterectomy