Current status of robotic assisted pelvic surgery and future developments.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to assess the role of robotics in pelvic surgery in terms of outcomes. We have also highlighted the issues related to training and future development of robotic systems.


METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Databases from 1980 to 2009 for systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials, prospective observational studies, retrospective studies and case reports assessing robotic surgery.


RESULTS
During the last decade, there has been a tremendous rise in the use of robotic surgical systems for all forms of precision operations including pelvic surgery. The short-term results of robotic pelvic surgery in the fields of urology, colorectal surgery and gynaecology have been shown to be comparable to the laparoscopic and open surgery. Robotic surgery offers an opportunity where many of these obstacles encountered during open and laparoscopic surgery can be overcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic surgery is a continually advancing technology, which has opened new horizons for performing pelvic surgery with precision and accuracy. Although its use is rapidly expanding in all surgical disciplines, particularly in pelvic surgery, further comparative studies are needed to provide robust guidance about the most appropriate application of this technology within the surgical armamentarium.
Ahmed
Kamran
K
Department of Biosurgery & Surgical Technology, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom. k.ahmed@imperial.ac.uk
Khan
Mohammad Shamim
MS
Vats
Amit
A
Nagpal
Kamal
K
Priest
Oliver
O
Patel
Vanash
V
Vecht
Joshua A
JA
Ashrafian
Hutan
H
Yang
Guang-Zhong
GZ
Athanasiou
Thanos
T
Darzi
Ara
A
D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010388:Pelvis / Q000601:surgery*; D012371:Robotics / Q000639:trends*; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*