The greatest prevalence of endometrial carcinoma (the cancer of the uterine lining) occurs in many parts of the world, as compared to other types of female cancers (gynaecological cancers). The most effective treatment for endometrial cancer is usually via surgical removal of the affected organs. This may include a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes), removal of regional lymph nodes, and other procedures as needed. In the last ten years, robotic-assisted surgeries have greatly improved the accuracy, reliability and tolerability of surgical procedures, without adversely affecting cancer outcomes.
I, Dr Priyanka Batra, have observed that robotics surgery requires efficient awareness so that it can be utilised effectively. In this blog, I will discuss how How Robotic Surgery Improves Outcomes in Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
The da Vinci system is a robotic system and one of today’s most advanced platforms for minimally invasive surgical techniques. Like many robotic surgical systems, the da Vinci robot was developed to aid surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures with an increased level of precision due to its 3D visualisation capabilities, wristed instruments designed to replicate the ability to move naturally as do human hands, and improved precision in confined anatomical spaces. The robotic arms that will be used for surgical procedures are manipulated at a console that the Surgeon controls; this allows for both improved visualisation and dexterity while providing the least invasive form of surgery.
What are the benefits of robotic surgery for Endometrial Cancer Patients?
- Robotic surgery offers the potential for decreased blood loss and shorter hospital stays compared with open surgery. Laparotomy, as well as lower complication rates, fewer conversions to open surgery and faster recovery when compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery. In a multi-centre study involving more than 2,000 patients, robotic surgery was associated with decreased complication rates, reduced blood loss, decreased length of surgery and decreased length of hospital stay compared with both laparoscopic surgery and open surgical procedures, facilitating more rapid return to normal activities.
- One of the major concerns for cancer surgery is whether, if a less invasive (robotic surgical method) method is used, the long-term control of the patient’s cancer will be affected. Studies show that for endometrial cancer, both robotic and open surgery resulted in similar overall and recurrence-free survival rates. Some long-term trials indicate that robotic surgery might offer a slight overall survival benefit compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. Additional long-term studies are necessary to validate these findings. Therefore, available evidence supports the use of robotic surgery while providing the same level of thorough removal of cancer as traditional surgical techniques.
- 3D magnified vision provides an improved method for defining tumours on robotic platforms, which also include filtering out tremors, eliminating hand movement and improved control over instruments (i.e., finer movement) for pelvic surgery. These benefits of robotic surgery are extremely beneficial when performing procedures designed to assess lymph nodes, map sentinel lymph nodes and accurately excise tumours, forming the core component of the staging and therapeutic approach to the treatment of endometrial cancer.
- Traditional surgery poses an increased risk of complications to patients, such as individuals with obesity, the elderly, or those who are medically vulnerable. In contrast, robotic surgery has demonstrated low complication rates during surgery, even in patients with high BMIs (body mass index), as well as faster recovery times that minimise the impact of surgery on fragile physiological states. These benefits may increase the number of patients eligible to have minimally invasive surgeries performed.
The basic goal of gynaecological oncology today is still straightforward – to help women with cancer achieve a high quality of life while effectively treating their disease. In working toward this goal, robotic-assisted surgical techniques have become a valuable asset for the surgical treatment of endometrial (or “uterine”) cancer, among other forms of gynaecological cancer. Robotic surgical techniques utilise both a very accurate, minimally invasive surgical technique and the ability to continuously monitor the patient’s health during surgery to allow for a safer procedure, quicker recovery, and improved cancer control.
Dr Priyanka Batra is a leader in robotic surgery for gynaecologic oncology, and she views the treatment of cancer as not only clinically innovative but also very human-oriented. She has acquired significant expertise in the use of robotic technology to treat very advanced forms of uterine cancer, and her approach to surgical care is to provide individualised care that emphasises accuracy, safety and long-term patient health. Choosing the surgeon and techniques that are best for patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer will significantly impact their experience. A highly experienced robotic gynaec oncologist, including Dr Priyanka Batra, will provide patients with the latest technology and support throughout the entire process by providing thorough information, clear communication and total follow-through on all facets of cancer treatment.