Ovarian Loss in Laparoscopic and Robotic Cystectomy Compared Using Artificial Intelligence Pathology

A Comparison of Ovarian Loss Following Laparoscopic versus Robotic Cystectomy As Analyzed by Artificial Intelligence-Powered Pathology Software.

Background and objective: To compare the area of ovarian tissue and follicular loss in the excised cystectomy specimen of endometrioma performed by laparoscopic or robotic technique.

Methods: Prospective observational study performed between April 2023 to August 2023. There were 14 patients each in Laparoscopic group (LC) and Robotic group (RC). Excised cyst wall sent was for to the pathologist who was blinded to the technique used for cystectomy. The pathological assessment was done by artificial intelligence-Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) software.

Results: The age was significantly lower in LC group; the rest of demographic results were comparable. The mean of the median ovarian area loss [Mean Rank, LC group (9.1 ± 15.1); RC (8.1 ± 12.4)] was higher in LC group. The mean of the median total follicular loss was higher in LC group (8.9 ± 9.2) when compared to RC group (6.3 ± 8.9) and was not significant. The area of ovarian loss in bilateral endometrioma was significantly higher in LC group (mean rank 7.5) as compared to RC group (mean rank 3) - (P = .016) despite more cases of bilateral disease in RC group. With increasing cyst size the LC group showed increased median loss of follicles when compared to RC group (strong correlation coefficient 0.347) but not statistically significant (P = .225). AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) score did not have any impact on the two techniques.

Conclusion: Robotic assistance reduces the area of ovarian and follicular loss during cystectomy of endometrioma especially in bilateral disease and increasing cyst size. It should be considered over the laparoscopic approach if available.