Hybrid Robotic Single-Site Myomectomy Using the GelPoint Platform

Abstract

Background: To overcome the limitations of single-port laparoscopic myomectomy (SP-LM) and robotic single-site myomectomy (RSSM), we designed a new surgical technique, the so-called hybrid RSSM (H-RSSM), by integrating the advantages of both procedures. This study describes the surgical technique of H-RSSM and reports our initial experiences. Materials and Methods: Between February 2018 and September 2018, H-RSSM was performed in 25 women with symptomatic fibroids. During the H-RSSM, the enucleation of the fibroid was carried out using single-port laparoscopy and the uterine defect was repaired using robotic single-site surgery. To assess the feasibility and efficacy of H-RSSM, the results of this study were compared with those of our previous study on SP-LM and its modified surgical technique, so-called single-port laparoscopically assisted transumbilical ultraminilaparotomic myomectomy (SPLA-TUM). Results: The mean operation time, hemoglobin change, return of bowel activity, and length of hospital stay were 69.4 ± 18.2 minutes, 1.2 ± 0.9 g/dL, 37.1 ± 15.5 hours, and 4.0 ± 0.8 days, respectively. There was no conversion to laparotomy or multiport laparoscopy. There were no surgical or wound complications. Comparing with SP-LM and SPLA-TUM, H-RSSM had significantly shorter operation time and return of bowel activity. Conclusion: H-RSSM can reduce operating time and the conversion rate to multiport laparoscopy and can be considered a feasible alternative for selected patients with symptomatic fibroids. However, further studies are needed to clearly demonstrate these benefits.