Robotic Surgery in Women With Ovarian Cancer: Surgical Technique and Evidence of Clinical Outcomes

J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2016 Mar-Apr;23(3):309-16. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2015.10.014. Epub 2015 Nov 10.

Abstract

Robotic surgery is a new technology that has been progressively implemented to treat endometrial and cervical cancer. However, the use of robotic surgery for ovarian cancer is limited to a few series of cases and comparative studies with laparoscopy or laparotomy. The technical issues concerning robotic surgery, as well as clinical evidence, are described in this review. Robotic surgery in early stage, advanced stage, and relapsed ovarian cancer is discussed separately. In conclusion, evidence regarding the use of robotic-assisted surgical treatment for women with ovarian cancer is still scarce, but its use is progressively growing. Robotic-assisted staging in selected patients with early stage disease has an important role in referral institutions when well-trained gynecologists perform surgeries. However, minimally invasive surgery in patients with advanced stage or relapsed ovarian cancer requires further investigation, even in selected cases.

Keywords: Advanced stage; Early stage; Ovarian cancer; Robotic surgery; Surgical staging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy* / instrumentation
  • Hysterectomy* / methods
  • Laparoscopy* / methods
  • Laparotomy* / methods
  • Lymph Node Excision / methods*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures*
  • Treatment Outcome