Robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective of this article is to review the recently published literature on the use of robotic surgery in the management of gynecologic malignancies. RECENT FINDINGS: Retrospective data collected from many institutions support the use of robotic surgery in the management of cervical, endometrial, and early-stage ovarian cancer. Benefits to robotic surgery include decreased blood loss, fewer perioperative complications, and decreased length of hospital stay, especially when compared to an open cohort. Disadvantages include costs associated with the robotic system and disposable equipment, accessibility to robotic surgical systems, loss of haptic sensation with the device, and lack of prospective trials validating its use in gynecologic oncology. SUMMARY: Current evidence establishes a role for the use of robotic surgery in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Further research should be implemented to validate the use of robotic surgery in gynecologic malignancies and to compare its outcomes to those of open and laparoscopic surgery.