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

• Published in: Gynecologic oncology 2015-09, Vol.138 (3), p.727-730
• Main Authors: Arms, Richard G, Sun, Charlotte C, Burzawa, Jennifer K, Fleming, Nicole D, Nick, Alpa M, Rallapalli, Vijayashri, Westin, Shannon N, Meyer, Larissa A, Ramirez, Pedro T, Soliman, Pamela T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female - surgery; Gynecologic surgery; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures - methods; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures - standards; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Middle Aged; Minimally invasive surgery; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Patient reported outcomes; Patient Satisfaction; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Robotic surgery; Robotic Surgical Procedures - methods; Robotic Surgical Procedures - standards; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0090-8258; 1095-6859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.07.013

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 (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.