Pregnancy Outcomes following Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Abstract

Review study question: What are the characteristics of the pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) for symptomatic leiomyomata uteri?Summary answer: Despite a high prevalence of women with advanced maternal age, obesity and multiple pregnancy, the outcomes are comparable with those reported in the literature for laparoscopic myomectomy. Study design: Review study.Participants/material, setting, methods: An extensive search for articles related to the topic and review the studies. Main results:The mean time to conception was 12 to 18 months. Assisted reproduction techniques were employed in 22 to 24% of these women. Spontaneous abortions occurred in 18 to 20%. Preterm delivery prior to 35 weeks of gestational age occurred in 17%. One uterine rupture was documented in all studies together. Pelvic adhesions were discovered in 11 to 16% of patients delivered by cesarean section. Higher preterm delivery rates were significantly associated with a greater number of myomas removed and anterior location of the largest incision. None of the myoma characteristics were related to spontaneous abortion.