Hysterectomy (the surgical removal of the uterus) is the most common treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus). Types of hysterectomy include open hysterectomy (OH; an invasive procedure that involves a large surgical incision), laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH; a minimally invasive procedure that involves several smaller incisions and the use of smaller surgical tools), and robotic-assisted hysterectomy (RH; a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a robotic system operated by the surgeon).

RH may offer a clinical benefit over LH for people with obesity because the robotic instruments may optimize operative technique and exposure, with the robotic arms supporting the weight of the abdominal wall and facilitating ventilation by allowing for reduced pressure in the abdomen.

This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective, and cost-effective RH is for the treatment of endometrial cancer in people with obesity. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding RH and at the experiences, preferences, and values of people with endometrial cancer and obesity, as well as those of cancer surgeons.