Updates and Controversies of Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Gynecologic Surgery

Abstract

minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is the standard approach to performance of several gynecologic procedures, including hysterectomy, gynecologic cancer staging procedures, myomectomy, pelvic organ prolapse repair, and select adnexal procedures. Robotic-assisted surgery, a computer-based MIS approach, has been adopted widely in the United States and several other countries. Robotics may offer technological and ergonomic benefits that overcome limitations associated with conventional laparoscopy; however, it is not clear that reported claims of superiority translate into improved gynecologic patient outcomes compared with other MIS approaches. This review critically appraises the evolving role, benefits, limitations, and controversies of robotic-assisted surgery utilization in benign and oncologic gynecology settings.