Robotics in Gynecology

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) in April 2005, robotic-assisted surgery has become popular among both gynecologic surgeons and their patients. Despite its widespread use, the role of robotic surgery in benign gynecology remains controversial. The available literature on this topic is lacking in quality, and the studies that have been conducted are mostly inconclusive. Nonetheless, a few key attributes of robotic surgery that are difficult to refute, even for the robot “nonsupporters,” include the fact that robotic surgery offers: (a) A more ergonomic option for the surgeon when compared to conventional laparoscopy (b) A less morbid surgical alternative when compared to abdominal surgery (c) The option of minimally invasive surgery for a broader patient pool