Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Outcomes in Obese and Morbidly Obese Patients

OBJECTIVE: To describe patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes among women undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy and to evaluate the characteristics of nonobese, obese, and morbidly obese patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 442 cases of women who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign and malignant conditions over a 4-y period at an academic and community teaching hospital. Patient demographics, surgical indications, operative outcomes, and complications were evaluated for patients with a body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m(2), 30 kg/m(2) to 39.9 kg/m(2), and ≥40 kg/m(2). RESULTS: Of the 442 patients, 257 (58%) were obese or morbidly obese, with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m(2). Overall, the median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (range, 10 to 800), the operative time was 135 min (range, 40 to 436), and the length of stay was 1 d (range, 0 to 22). These did not differ significantly by BMI group. Overall, 11.9% of patients experienced complications (7.9% minor, 4.1% major), and this did not differ significantly across BMI groups. CONCLUSION: Robotic hysterectomy can be performed safely in obese and morbidly obese patients, with surgical outcomes and complications similar to those in nonobese patients.