title: Side-docking in robotic-assisted gynaecologic cancer surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The majority of previous experience with the robotic-assisted laparoscopic technique for gynaecological procedures has utilized a method in which the robot is centrally located (CD) between the patient's legs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted procedures for gynaecological malignancies were positioned in a side-docking (SD) fashion, in which the robot is positioned lateral to the patient. The relevant clinical parameters were collected and compared to the previous 12 patients undergoing surgery using the conventional, centre-docking (CD) technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Specimen retrieval time for larger uteri was reduced in the SD group compared to the CD group (p = 0.03). Total operative times were slightly lower in the SD group and specimen retrieval times for all uterine weights were unchanged when compared to the CD group. Statistical significance was not observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Side-docking is an alternative to the conventional centre-docking approach in robotic-assisted surgery. Its use may facilitate larger specimen retrieval while decreasing operative time and associated costs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 1300 Morris Park Avenue,Bronx, NY 10461, USA. demetrius.woods02@gmail.com
authors.forename: Demetrius Leon
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: June Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Riemers
authors.forename: Divya
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Dennis Yi-Shin
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Kuo
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome