Analysis of the learning curve for robotic hysterectomy for benign gynaecological disease

Abstract

Background: The objective was to evaluate the learning curve for performing a robotic hysterectomy to treat benign gynaecological disease. Methods: Thirty-six patients underwent robotic hysterectomy for benign indications. A systematic chart review of consecutive cases was conducted. The collected data included age BMI operating time set-up time docking time uterine weight blood loss intraoperative complications postoperative complications conversions to laparotomy and length of hospital stay. Results: The mean operating set-up and docking times were 169±54.5 52.9±12.4 and 7.8±7.6min respectively. The learning curve analysis revealed a decrease in both docking and operating times with both curves plateauing after case 9. Conclusions: The learning curve analysis revealed a decrease in docking time and operating time after case 9 suggesting that there might be a fast learning curve for experienced laparoscopic surgeons to master robotic hysterectomy and that the docking process does not have a significant negative influence on the overall operating time. © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.