What is robotic surgery and how does it work?
A. Robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology is a major surgical procedure performed in a minimally invasive fashion. It involves sophisticated medical devices that allow surgeons to operate through tiny incisions, using enhanced imagery and incredibly precise movements. Robotic-assisted surgery offers improved, magnified visualization in high-definition 3D. Surgeons are able to precisely control the surgical instruments because they offer seven degrees of free motion (like a wrist). Robotic surgery was introduced in 1999 but was only recently approved (in 2005) by the Food and Drug Administration for use with gynecologic procedures. While the benefits of this cutting-edge technology are great, one thing remains unchanged: the experience of the surgeon is crucial to the success of the procedure, particularly when it comes to more-complex surgeries, such as those involving cancer. Q. To which types of gynecologic cancers would robotic surgery best apply? A. Approximately 40,000 women are
