Applications of surgical robotics in gynecologic surgery

Abstract

Surgeons strive to minimize surgical complications and new procedures are developed with this goal in mind. It is critical when evaluating new innovations that their be no compromise in overall surgical technique and treatment goals. The emergence of minimal invasive surgery (MIS) has led to a significant reduction in perioperative morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay as compared to traditional laparotomy. However, current conventional laparoscopy has seen limited application in many complex pelvic procedures due to the pelvis's limited space and complex anatomy. The introduction of robotic assisted MIS has overcome many of these limitations by providing superior dexterity, intuitive movement, 3-D vision, ergonomics and autonomy. The use of the da Vinci surgical system has now become an integral surgical tool in gynecologic surgeries. This chapter will review the current robotic platform's development and use in the field of gynecology and gynecologic oncology since 2005 demonstrating its feasibility and safety. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.