Robotic Surgery in Gynecologic Oncology

The development of robotic technology has facilitated the application of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment and evaluation of patients with gynecologic cancer including early, advanced, and recurrent endometrial, cervical and to a less extent ovarian cancer. Numerous gynecologic oncologists have published their experience using this new technology. Most case series of robotic assisted hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy, as well as radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer show that the procedure is feasible and comparable or superior to laparoscopic surgery. Less common procedures such as robotic radical trachelectomy, radical parametrectomy, and retroperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy have also been described. Little information is available addressing a robotic approach for the treatment of advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer patients.

Clearly, robotic technology facilitates the surgical approach for endometrial and cervical malignancies as compared to the conventional laparoscopy. Although patient advantages are similar or slightly improved with robotics, there are multiple advantages for the surgeons.