Comparison of robotic approach, laparoscopic approach and laparotomy in treating epithelial ovarian cancer

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of robotic surgery and compare its surgical outcomes with those of laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy, with regard to performing staging surgery to manage ovarian cancer. Methods: One hundred and thirty-eight women who received surgical staging procedures for treatment of stage IA–IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer and borderline tumours were retrospectively included in the study. All enrolled cases were reviewed for patient demographics, peri-operative parameters, complications and survival. Results: The operation time and blood loss was significantly reduced in the robotic and laparoscopic groups. Moreover, robotic surgery was associated with decreased postoperative pain score. The length of hospital stay and time to full diet resumption were also shortened for those who underwent robotic and laparoscopic procedures. Survival analysis and complication rates were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Robotic surgery is a feasible alternative in managing ovarian cancer as long as there is careful consideration given to patient selection.