Hysterectomy is the commonest gynecological surgery performed worldwide. Minimally invasive surgeries has revolutionized gynecological practice with positive implications on the patient and health system. Robotic assisted surgeries has overcome the shortcomings of laparoscopic surgeries and has shown great promise as the next evolution in surgical techniques. The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcome of robotic assisted total hysterectomies in comparison to the conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

This is a retrospective cohort study. All patients who had robotic assisted hysterectomy or conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy in Sarawak General Hospital between 1st January 2009 till 31st January 2012 were included in this study. The patients were identified from the operating theater registry and the case notes were retrieved. Data were extracted systematically using a standardized profoma which included patient demography, indication, complications and outcome of surgeries.The results were analyzed using SPSS 17.

Although still being in its infancy, the evolution of robotic assisted surgeries has been dramatic. This study echoes the current notion that robotic surgeries are as superior if not more then conventional laparoscopic surgeries. The complications are rare and the learning curve is not as long as previously thought and this could prove to be the main advantage.

Although the cost effectiveness of robotic surgeries still remains debatable, the ability of the robot to ensure more precise surgeries and in taking the surgeon’s fatigue out of the equation should ensure complicated procedures can be performed more safely. A revolution is on the way if cost is not a factor!

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22 patients had robotic assisted hysterectomy and 52 patients had conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy during the study period.

P 0.412