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

OBJECTIVE To describe patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes among women undergoing roboticassisted 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.