Robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology.
OBJECTIVE
Robotic surgery is rapidly taking the place of laparoscopy in many gynecologic oncology practices. Numerous practitioners have published their experience with this new technology. A review of their findings is timely and relevant.


RESULTS
The majority of case series of robotic surgery for hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy show that the procedure is feasible and at least comparable to laparoscopic surgery. Similarly, case series of robotic radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer also compare favorably to laparoscopic surgery. Less common procedures such as robotic trachelectomy, parametrectomy, and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy have also been described. Numerous patient and practitioner advantages are discussed in this review.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopy for the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. Its role in ovarian cancer is just starting to be explored.
Bandera
Christina A
CA
Program in Women's Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02905, USA. cbandera@wihri.org
Magrina
Javier F
JF
D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D012371:Robotics; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*