Introducing robotic radical hysterectomy for stage 1bi cervical cancer-A prospective evaluation of clinical and economic outcomes in a single UK institution

Background We have assessed the impact of introducing robotics for a stage 1b cervical cancer service on laparotomy rates, complications, and costs. Methods Data were collected prospectively from 90 consecutive patients who had a radical hysterectomy between 1 April 2010 and 31 December 2017. Results There were 37 women before the first robotic procedure and 53 after. The laparotomy rate reduced from 75% (9/12) in 2010 to 0% (0/18) in 2017. The length of stay reduced from 6 days (range 3-39) to 3 days (range 1-15) (P < 0.0001). The complication rate before robotics was 68% (25/37) compared with 45% (24/53) afterwards (P = 0.0493). The blood transfusion rate reduced from 43% (16/37) to 11% (6/53) (P = 0.0007). There were no differences between the total costs before and after the introduction of robotics or between each route. Conclusions In this series, introducing robotics for cervical carcinoma reduced hospital stay and complications. No cost differences were demonstrated.