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

Abstract

BackgroundThe objective was to evaluate the learning curve for performing a robotic hysterectomy to treat benign gynaecological disease. MethodsThirty-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. ResultsThe mean operating set-up and docking times were 16954.5 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. ConclusionsThe 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. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.