title: The commercialization of robotic surgery: unsubstantiated marketing of gynecologic surgery by hospitals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We analyzed the content, quality, and accuracy of information provided on hospital web sites about robotic gynecologic surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  An analysis of hospitals with more than 200 beds from a selection of states was performed. Hospital web sites were analyzed for the content and quality of data regarding robotic-assisted surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 432 hospitals, the web sites of 192 (44.4%) contained marketing for robotic gynecologic surgery. Stock images (64.1%) and text (24.0%) derived from the robot manufacturer were frequent. Although most sites reported improved perioperative outcomes, limitations of robotics including cost, complications, and operative time were discussed only 3.7%, 1.6%, and 3.7% of the time, respectively. Only 47.9% of the web sites described a comparison group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Marketing of robotic gynecologic surgery is widespread. Much of the content is not based on high-quality data, fails to present alternative procedures, and relies on stock text and images.
authors: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors: Maria B
authors: MB
authors: Schiavone
authors: Eugenia C
authors: EC
authors: Kuo
authors: R Wendel
authors: RW
authors: Naumann
authors: William M
authors: WM
authors: Burke
authors: Sharyn N
authors: SN
authors: Lewin
authors: Alfred I
authors: AI
authors: Neugut
authors: Dawn L
authors: DL
authors: Hershman
authors: Thomas J
authors: TJ
authors: Herzog
authors: Jason D
authors: JD
authors: Wright
mesh_terms: D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D040541:Marketing; D012371:Robotics