Objective: This is a prospective evaluation of the outcome of minimal invasive surgery using robotics in function of the body mass index (BMI) of patients.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of consecutive women undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer at a tertiary care facility since the initiation of a robotic program in December 2007. Surgical and personal outcome variables as well as quality of life and postoperative recovery were assessed using a combination of objective and subjective/self-report questionnaires. Women were divided into 3 groups based on their BMI. Comparative analyses among nonobese (n = 52), obese (n = 33) and morbidly obese (n = 23) women were performed on the outcome measures after surgery.

Results: The mean BMI and the range in each of the BMI categories was 25 kg/m² (18.7-29.4 kg/m²), 34 kg/m² (30.1-38.4 kg/m²), and 46 kg/m² (40.0-58.8 kg/m²). Women with higher BMI tended to be more frequently affected with comorbidities such as diabetes (15.4%, 26.0%, and 27.3%, respectively; P = 0.32) and hypertension (55.8%, 69.6%, and 69.7%, respectively; P = 0.19). Despite these differences, surgical console time (P = 0.20), major postoperative complications (P = 0.52), overall wound complications (P = 0.18), and median length of hospitalization in days (P = 0.17) were not statistically different among the 3 groups. Only 5.6% of women needed a mini laparotomy all of which were performed for the removal of their enlarged uterus, which could not be delivered safely via the vagina, at the end of the surgical procedure. There was no increased conversion to laparotomy due to increased BMI. Women in all 3 groups reported rapid resumption of hygiene regimens and chores, little need for narcotic analgesia, and high satisfaction with the procedure.

Conclusions: Obese and morbidly obese patients with endometrial cancer are also good candidates for robotic surgery. These women benefit considerably from minimal invasive surgery and have little perioperative complications.