Robot‐assisted modified radical hysterectomy with removal of lymphatic vessel using indocyanine green: A new method

Abstract

Background The sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedures using indocyanine green (ICG) have recently been performed worldwide. The aim of this study was to emphasise the safety of robot‐assisted modified radical hysterectomy (RAMRH) with removal of the lymphatic vessels (RLV) using ICG in endometrial cancer according to a single surgeon's experience. Methods Robot‐assisted modified radical hysterectomy with RLV using ICG was performed in patients with endometrial cancer. We compared 34 cases of RAMRH with RLV, with 54 patients without RLV. Results The median (interquartile range) time for the procedure did not differ between the RAMRH with and without RLV groups (88 [80–114] vs. 88 [79–104] min, p = 0.7). The success rate of RLV was 100% when SLNs were detected. Conclusion Robot‐assisted modified radical hysterectomy with RLV using ICG can completely dissect tissue from the uterus, including lymphatic vessels. This procedure using a robotic system with ICG, is simple and does not require additional time.