Making the transition from standard gynecologic laparoscopy to robotic laparoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of using a simple procedure, a bilateral tubal ligation, as a transition procedure when adopting robotic laparoscopy for gynecologic surgery.


METHODS
To obtain robotic credentialing and gain experience with the robotic system, the surgeons first went through robotic training, then 4 women desiring permanent sterilization had robotically assisted laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligations performed, using the Parkland method.


RESULTS
Total operating room time varied from 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 31 minutes. Improvement in operating time for each surgeon was noted with each successive case. Best times in robotic cases were similar to those of standard laparoscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotically assisted laparoscopic tubal ligation using the Parkland method is a satisfactory procedure to provide transition for gynecologic surgeons and operating room personnel to gynecologic robotic surgery.
Ferguson
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA.
Beste
Todd M
TM
Nelson
Keith H
KH
Daucher
James A
JA
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors