Trendelenburg Position in Gynecologic Robotic-Assisted Surgery

ObjectiveTo estimate the necessity of routine patient positioning in steep Trendelenburg in robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery performed for benign indications.DesignDescriptive study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).SettingUniversity-affiliated community hospital.PatientsTwenty women undergoing robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery for benign indications.InterventionRobotic-assisted total hysterectomy, supracervical hysterectomy, myomectomy, and sacrocolpopexy.Measurements and Main ResultsDemographic data and perioperative variables were recorded including age, body mass index, procedure type, console time, perioperative complications, estimated blood loss, hospital length of stay, and degree of Trendelenburg position. The degree of Trendelenburg position was measured at the end of each procedure using an electronic level. The surgeons were blinded to the degree of Trendelenburg used. All procedures were performed successfully without conversion to laparotomy. All patients were discharged to home within 24 hours. No perioperative complications were noted. The mean (SD; 95% CI) Trendelenburg position used in this cohort was 16.4 (4.1; 14.4–18.3) degrees. Patient body mass index was 28.5 (5.3; 26.1–31.1). Median console time was 87.5 (27–112) minutes.ConclusionRobotic-assisted benign gynecologic surgery can be effectively performed without use of the steep Trendelenburg position. The practice of routine adherence to steep Trendelenburg positioning in benign gynecologic robotic surgery should be questioned.