Two-port robotic hysterectomy: a novel approach

Abstract

The objective of the study was to demonstrate a novel technique for two-port robotic hysterectomy with a particular focus on the challenging portions of the procedure. The study is designed as a technical video, showing step-by-step a two-port robotic hysterectomy approach (Canadian Task Force classification level III). IRB approval was not required for this study. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery for gynecological pathology have been clearly documented in multiple studies. Patients had fewer medical and surgical complications postoperatively, better cosmesis and quality of life. Most gynecological surgeons require 3–5 ports for the standard gynecological procedure. Even though the minimally invasive multiport system provides an excellent safety profile, multiple incisions are associated with a greater risk for morbidity including infection, pain, and hernia. In the past decade, various new methods have emerged to minimize the number of ports used in gynecological surgery. The interventions employed were a two-port robotic hysterectomy, using a camera port plus one robotic arm, with a focus on salpingectomy and cuff closure. We describe a transvaginal and a transabdominal approach for salpingectomy and a novel method for cuff closure. The transvaginal and transabdominal techniques for salpingectomy for two-port robotic-assisted hysterectomy provide excellent tension and exposure for a safe procedure without the need for an extra port. We also describe a transvaginal technique to place the vaginal cuff on tension during closure. With the necessary set of skills on a carefully chosen patient, two-port robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy is a feasible procedure.