Robotic versus open hysterectomy for very large uterus (more than 1000 g): A bicentric retrospective study of 150 patients

Objective

To compare robotic (RAL) and open abdominal (OA) hysterectomy for very large uteri in terms of perioperative outcomes, complications, and costs.

Methods

Data from patients undergoing total hysterectomy between 2015 and 2021 for benign indications with a uterus weighing 1000 g or more according to the pathology report in two French Academic hospitals were retrospectively collected. All patients with a malignant pathology were excluded.

Results

Among 150 patients included, 44 (30%) patients underwent RAL and 106 (70%) underwent OA hysterectomies. Mean uterus weights were 1844 g in the OA group and 1710 g in the RAL group. Mean operative time was longer in the RAL group (217 vs. 124 min; P < 0.001). No difference was found in terms of intraoperative (P = 0.951) and postoperative complications (P = 0.680). Hospital stay was shorter in the RAL group (1.6 vs. 3.8 days; P < 0.001). The RAL route was more expensive than the OA route regarding operating room occupancy (€1339 vs. €2370; P < 0.001) and disposable instruments (€390 vs. €654; P < 0.001); but cheaper, regarding the cost of hospital stay (€5042 vs. €9119; P < 0.001), which led to a lower global cost with the RAL route (€8211 vs. €10 901; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Robotic hysterectomy for uteri weighing more than 1000 g is comparable with open hysterectomy in terms of complications. The robotic approach allows for a shorter hospital stay, which leads to a lower overall cost.