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

abstract
  
Highlights

• •
  Women were satisfied with their decision to undergo robotic surgery.
• •
  General health, symptom burden, and sexual function returned to baseline quickly after robotic surgery.

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 (6 wk), and 4 months postoperative (4 mo).
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 31.3 kg/m². 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 6 wk (51.4 to 41.6, p < 0.001), it improved by 4 mo (53.5). Mental functioning improved over time (baseline 48.6, 6 wk 52.8, and 4 mo 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 4 mo (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.