Robotic surgery - advance or gimmick?
Robotic surgery is increasingly implemented as a minimally invasive approach to a variety of gynaecological procedures. The use of conventional laparoscopy by a broad range of surgeons, especially in complex procedures, is hampered by several drawbacks. Robotic surgery was created with the aim of overcoming some of the limitations. Although robotic surgery has many advantages, it is also associated with clear disadvantages. At present, the proof of superiority over access by laparotomy or laparoscopy through large randomised- controlled trials is still lacking. Until results of such trials are present, a firm conclusion about the usefulness of robotic surgery cannot be drawn. Robotic surgery is promising, making the advantages of minimally invasive surgery potentially available to a large number of surgeons and patients in the future.
Pius-Hospital, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Carl-von-Ossietzky-University, Georgstraβe 12, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany. gyn-sekretariat@pius-hospital.de
Rudy L
RL
De Wilde
Anja
A
Herrmann
D002983:Clinical Competence; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049691:History, Medieval; D017721:Hospital Costs; D010535:Laparoscopy; D059032:Learning Curve; D012371:Robotics / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation