Advances in urogynaecological robotic surgery

Abstract

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Robotic‐assisted laparoscopy is currently utilized in the treatment of urogynecological disorders. Multiple papers are available detailing the technique and outcomes of robotic‐assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Recently robotic‐assisted laparoscopy has been used to treat pelvic fistulas. This paper is an overview of the currently published literature pertaining to robotic‐assisted laparoscopy in the treatment of urogynecologic disorders. Urogynaecology is a subspecialty practiced by both urologists and gynaecologists specialised in treating women with pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence. While urogynaecology covers a vast range of disorders, two disorders frequently managed by urogynaecologists are pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and pelvic fistulae. Surgical intervention is often the treatment option for both POP and pelvic fistulae after all conservative options have been attempted. The daVinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) has applications for the minimally invasive surgical management of POP and pelvic fistulas. The following review will address the development and current state of robotic assistance in treating these disorders.