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. 2015 Sep;138(3):727-30.
doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.07.013. Epub 2015 Jul 18.

Improvement in quality of life after robotic surgery results in patient satisfaction

Richard G Arms 3rd  1 , Charlotte C Sun  2 , Jennifer K Burzawa  2 , Nicole D Fleming  2 , Alpa M Nick  2 , Vijayashri Rallapalli  2 , Shannon N Westin  2 , Larissa A Meyer  2 , Pedro T Ramirez  2 , Pamela T Soliman  3
Affiliations

Improvement in quality of life after robotic surgery results in patient satisfaction

Richard G Arms 3rd et al. Gynecol Oncol. 2015 Sep.

Abstract

Background: There are well-described benefits to minimally invasive surgery including decreased blood loss, shorter hospital-stay, and faster recovery. The role of robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology has become increasingly prominent; however limited data are available on quality of life (QOL) after robotic surgery.

Methods: In this prospective, IRB-approved study, women scheduled for robotic surgery for a gynecologic indication between May 2008 and February 2012 completed validated QOL measures at baseline, 6 weeks (6wk), and 4 months postoperative (4mo). Functional status (SF-12), symptom severity and interference (MDASI), sexual function (FSFI), and satisfaction with decision (SWD) were assessed at relevant time points. Differences between groups were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney test.

Results: Among 408 women who underwent robotic surgery 278 (68%) completed the QOL measures. Median age was 55.6 years (range 25.7-85.1). Median BMI was 31.3kg/m(2). The majority of patients were white (75%). The most common indication for surgery was endometrial cancer/hyperplasia (59.7%). While physical functioning declined from baseline to 6wk (51.4 to 41.6, p<0.001), it improved by 4mo (53.5). Mental functioning improved over time (baseline 48.6, 6wk 52.8, and 4mo 55.6, p<0.001). Symptom severity decreased over time (p<0.001) as did symptom interference (p<0.001). Sexual function improved significantly from baseline (8.6) to 4mo (20.2, p<0.001). Patients were satisfied with their decision making (SWD=30).

Conclusion: In this prospective study, general health, symptom burden and sexual function returned to or improved beyond baseline levels within 6 weeks of surgery. Overall, women were satisfied with their decision to undergo robotic surgery.

Keywords: Gynecologic surgery; Minimally invasive surgery; Patient reported outcomes; Quality of life; Robotic surgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: None of the authors have a conflict of interest.

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