Robotic gynecologic surgery: past, present, and future

Robotic techniques are increasingly being used to perform gynecologic surgical procedures including hysterectomies, performed for benign and malignant indications, myomectomies, tubal reanastomoses, and sacrocolpopexies. Robotic procedures seem to confer the same benefits as laparoscopic surgery without additional complications. It is unclear, however, whether robotic surgery imparts any additional benefits such as decreased operative times when compared with open or conventional laparoscopic techniques. The advantages to robotic surgery include improved visualization of the operative field with increased dexterity allowing more precise movements. Disadvantages include the learning curve associated with learning a new surgical technique and the equipment and operating costs of the robot and of using the robot.