Robotically assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy and adnexal surgery

Background: In this pilot study, we tested the feasibility and safety of us ing a robotic device to perform complex gynecologic surgery. Methods: Ten female pigs underwent adnexal surgery (n = 5) or hysterectomy (n 5) using the "Zeus" robotic device. The surgeon operates while sitting a t the console away from the surgical table on which the robotic arms are fi xed. Both procedures were performed solely with the robotic arms. After 1 w eek of observation the animals were sacrificed and the surgical site was ex plored. Results: The procedure was completed successfully in all cases. No animal r equired conversion to laparotomy or nonrobotic laparoscopic assistance. The mean operative time (+/- SD) was 170 +/- 44 min for adnexal surgery and 20 0 +/- 57 min for hysterectomy. No complications occurred. No ureteral injur ies were found on necropsy. Conclusion: Although designed for laparoscopic microsuturing, this robotic technology has the potential to be used for more complex gynecologic proced ures.