Robotic Techniques for Endometriosis

Surgery plays an indispensable role in diagnosis and management of endometriosis. Although surgical management may not cure the disease, it provides significant pain relief and improvement in fertility outcomes. This chapter reviews important surgical considerations and planning, surgical routes, and essential counseling points to discuss with patients. Additionally, this chapter discusses the integral role that robotic-assisted laparoscopy plays in endometriosis surgical management. It reviews the history of robotics, as well reviews the important components of the current da Vinci system. The advantages and limitations of robotic surgery are thoroughly considered. The feasibility of robotic surgery is discussed, especially given the variety of presentations, locations, and stages of endometriosis. Surgical techniques with regards to robotics are reviewed. The recent literature comparing traditional laparoscopy and robotic surgery is critically evaluated. This chapter discusses the multitude of advantages of robotic surgery when compared to laparoscopy, especially the role it plays in preventing conversion to laparotomy.