A Novel Method to Facilitate Uterine Delivery at Robotic Hysterectomy

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2018 Mar;28(3):600-603. doi: 10.1097/IGC.0000000000001212.

Abstract

Minimally invasive platforms have afforded women undergoing hysterectomy the advantages of improved postoperative pain control, reduced complication rates, and shorter inpatient recovery time. In patients where malignancy has been confirmed or suspected, the necessity for uterine delivery per vagina is imperative to maintain these advantages without compromising oncological outcome.A previously unreported technique of enlarging the apical circumference of the vagina during robotic hysterectomy facilitates intact uterine passage after extended reflection of the bladder and/or rectum. Significant increases in vault circumference can be gained through even small midline incisions of the vaginal wall, with an additional 5-cm incision almost doubling the apical aperture in certain cases.We present our series of 21 cases that support this safe, reliable, and simple method for intact uterine delivery during robotic hysterectomy in minimally invasive gynecological oncology practice.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy, Vaginal / instrumentation
  • Hysterectomy, Vaginal / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / methods*