Making the Transition From Standard Gynecologic Laparoscopy to Robotic Laparoscopy

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of using a simple procedure, a bilateral tubal ligation, as a transition procedure when adopting robotic laparoscopy for gynecologic surgery. METHOD: To obtain robotic credentialing and gain experience with the robotic system, the surgeons first went through robotic training, then 4 women desiring permanent sterilization had robotically assisted laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligations performed, using the Parkland method. RESULTS: Total operating room time varied from 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 31 minutes. Improvement in operating time for each surgeon was noted with each successive case. Best times in robotic cases were similar to those of standard laparoscopy. CONCLUSION: Robotically assisted laparoscopic tubal ligation using the Parkland method is a satisfactory procedure to provide transition for gynecologic surgeons and operating room personnel to gynecologic robotic surgery.