title: Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in gynecology: scientific dream or reality?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Center for Special Minimally Invasive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA. cnezhat@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Camran
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nezhat
authors.forename: Ofer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lavie
authors.forename: Madeleine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lemyre
authors.forename: Ebru
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Unal
authors.forename: Ceana H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Nezhat
authors.forename: Farr
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nezhat
mesh_terms: 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