Implementation of a Robotic Gynecologic Surgery Program in a Rural Setting: Impact on Presence of Assistant Surgeon and Route of Hysterectomy

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Robotic surgical technology may obviate the need for an assistant surgeon when performing hysterectomy. In rural communities where physician shortages remain a major barrier to healthcare access, reducing the number of surgeons necessary to complete a hysterectomy would be of significant consequence. We sought to investigate the impact of robotic surgery on both the presence of an assistant surgeon and route of hysterectomy following implementation of a robotic surgery program at a single-site community hospital. Methods: test. Results: Following implementation of a robotic surgical program we observed a statistically significant decrease in the presence of an assistant surgeon at the time of hysterectomy from 86.7% to 29.7%, p ≤ 0.0001. There was also an increase in the percentage of hysterectomies performed by minimally invasive technique from 67.0% to 87.4%, p ≤ 0.0001. Conclusion: Following implementation of a robotic gynecologic surgery program at a single-site rural community hospital, we observed a reduction in the utilization of an assistant surgeon at time of hysterectomy. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in the rate of minimally invasive hysterectomies performed.