Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in gynecology: scientific dream or reality?
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the feasibility, safety, advantages, and disadvantages of using robotic technology for gynecologic surgeries in a large group of patients.


METHODS
Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).


METHODS
Tertiary endoscopic referral centers.


METHODS
Eighty-seven patients requiring laparoscopic treatments for benign gynecologic conditions.


METHODS
Charts reviewed from robotic-assisted gynecologic operative laparoscopies.


METHODS
Length of surgery, time for robot assembly and disassembly, rate of conversion to laparotomies, and complications.


RESULTS
Between January 2006 and August 2007, 137 robotically assisted gynecologic procedures were performed in 87 patients. The da Vinci Surgical System was used. The average length of the surgeries was 205 minutes (60-420 minutes). Assembly of the robot lasted 16 minutes (10-27 minutes) when disassembly took 2.5 minutes (2-6 minutes). There were no conversions to laparotomy. There were three complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic-assisted technology, in its present state, is enabling more surgeons to perform endoscopic surgery. Its advantages are 3D Vision and a faster learning curve for suturing and operating while sitting. It's an exciting enabling technology with a great future.
Nezhat
Camran
C
Center for Special Minimally Invasive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA. cnezhat@stanford.edu
Lavie
Ofer
O
Lemyre
Madeleine
M
Unal
Ebru
E
Nezhat
Ceana H
CH
Nezhat
Farr
F
D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000379:methods; D012371:Robotics; D013997:Time Factors