Pressure Alopecia Following Robotic Gynecological Surgery: Lessons From a Case Series on a Preventable Complication
March 2026
in “
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
”
TLDR Proper precautions can prevent hair loss after robotic gynecological surgery.
Pressure alopecia is a preventable complication that can occur after robotic gynaecological surgeries due to the steep Trendelenburg position, leading to scalp pressure and oedema. This case series highlights instances of delayed onset, non-scarring alopecia in pressure-bearing areas of the scalp, with spontaneous regrowth over time. Although benign, it can cause distress, particularly in young female patients. The study emphasizes the importance of awareness among medical teams and suggests preventive measures such as proper head padding, periodic repositioning, minimizing surgery duration, and increased vigilance to reduce its occurrence.