Current trends in robot assisted surgery: A survey of gynecologic oncologists

Background To evaluate the perceptions of the importance and utility of robot assisted surgery in gynecologic oncology. Methods A 39 question web-based survey was sent to members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. Results The survey response rate was 28%, with 277 surveys completed. Nearly 40% of respondents felt robotic surgical training was required as a part of their career goals, and 73% of respondents have performed a robotic hysterectomy. Among respondents, 39% felt that robotic surgery was as good as laparoscopic surgery but 23% thought robot assisted surgery should be the gold standard for the treatment of endometrial cancer. Conclusions Robot assisted surgery is gaining widespread acceptance and is perceived to be as good as laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of early stage endometrial and cervical cancers. Among respondents the greatest benefit of robot assisted surgery was its ease of use and perceived improvement in a patient's quality of life.