Complications defined as intra-/peri-operative and post-operative complications (<30 days), except for Bell 2008 (peri-operative only), Veljovich 2008 (major and minor complications), Boggess 2008 (post-operative only), Maggioni 2009 (early (<1 month) and late (>1 month) complications), and DeNardis 2008 (peri-operative and delayed (1-6 weeks post-operative) complications) (5 studies).
Experience was variably defined as qualified surgeons (63); as >50 robotic surgeries (49); advanced training in robotics (56); familiarity with the use of the robotic system for benign and other malignant pelvic conditions. (53)
Learning curve was variably defined as implementation of the robotics program (45); during the learning curve of our robotics program (43); the surgeon started performing robotic hysterectomies in 2005 (44); all robotic hysterectomies were performed by senior surgeons who had never performed the procedure laparoscopically (65); inception of the robotic program. (50)
Age difference was shown for Boggess 2008a (RB: 47.4, SD: 12.9 vs. OS: 41.9, SD: 11.2 years, p=0.029); for Estape 2009 (RB: 55.0, SD: 12.7 vs. OS: 42.0, SD: 12.0 years, p=0.004); for DeNardis 2008 (RB: 58.9, SD: 10.3 vs. OS: 62.5, SD: 10.8 years, p=0.05); for Bell 2008 (RB: 63.0, SD: 10.1 vs. OS: 72.3, SD: 12.5 years, p=0.0005); and for Maggioni 2009 (RB: 44.1, SD: 9.1 vs. OS: 49.8, SD: 14.1 years, p=0.035).
Stage difference was shown for Boggess 2008, favouring IIB, IIIA/IIIB/IIIC and IVA/IVB tumours in OS (significance not given), and DeNardis 2008, favouring stage III tumours in OS (significance not given).
Body mass index difference was shown for Veljovich 2008 (RB: 27.6, Range (18.7-49.4) vs. OS: 32.2, Range (16.4-65.8) kg/m2), with higher body mass index in OS; DeNardis 2008 (RB: 28.5, SD: 6.4 vs. OS: 34.0, SD: 9.3 kg/m2, p=0.0001), with a higher body mass index in OS.
There was no stage information in Bell 2008. There was no difference in uterine weight.