Robot-assisted tubal reanastomosis: initial experience in a single institution.

OBJECTIVE

To assess surgical outcomes for robot-assisted tubal reanastomosis in a single institution.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Between March 2009 and January 2010, 10 patients underwent robot-assisted tubal ligation reversal (TLR) with a da Vinci S surgical system. Patient demographic data, including operative times, operative and postoperative complications, hospital stay, conversion to laparotomy and pregnancy rates were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean age and body mass index for the patients were 37.7 (35-42) years and 28.9 (23.9-36.3) kg/m(2), respectively. The mean console time was 102.5 min and the mean total operation time was 130.6 (102-164) min. The mean hospital stay was 1.2 (1-2) days. There were no significant intra-operative or early-postoperative complications. All surgeries were completed robotically with no conversion to laparotomy. There were seven subsequent pregnancies in the study participants, representing a pregnancy rate of 70%, of which five were intrauterine pregnancies, one was an ectopic pregnancy, and one was an abortus.

CONCLUSION

Robot-assisted TLR is safe and feasible. This procedure may facilitate minimally invasive treatment for patients who want to regain their fertility without the aid of artificial reproductive techniques.