Emergence of robotic assisted surgery in gynecologic oncology: American perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the emergence of robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology and describe the growth of robotic surgery in a university medical center and a community based practice.


METHODS
In addition to the historical evolution of the robotic assisted surgery medicine, a survey of robotic cases was performed on two robotic programs since the inception of the programs. A review of the current literature on the use of the da Vinci robot in gynecologic oncology was also performed.


RESULTS
The robotic surgery programs at UNC Hospital and Florida Hospital are growing steadily since the inception of the programs in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Since 2005 there have also been numerous publications detailing the effectiveness, safety, and efficiency of the robot.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic surgery is gaining acceptance and is rapidly growing as evidenced by an increased number of publications on the topic; these publications demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and improved outcomes compared to open surgery and conventional laparoscopy.
Mendivil
Alberto
A
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 101 Manning Drive, CB 7572, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7572. USA.
Holloway
Robert W
RW
Boggess
John F
JF
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D003153:Community Health Services; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*