title: Robotic-assisted, ultrasound-guided abdominal cerclage during pregnancy: overcoming minimally invasive surgery limitations?
abstract: Herein, we report robotic abdominal cerclage placement under ultrasound guidance. The da Vinci Si system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) allows a simultaneous display of the operative field and transvaginal ultrasound images. Additionally, the vaginal ultrasound probe assisted in the manipulation of the uterus to improve visualization without placing excessive pressure on the gravid uterus. Ultrasound guidance improves needle placement accuracy and reduces potential for injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Teresa M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Mostafa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Borahay
authors.forename: Karin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Gokhan S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Kilic
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D023802:Cerclage, Cervical / Q000379:methods*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D012371:Robotics; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional