Robotic surgery in the management of cervical carcinoma

Objectives To review the published literature concerning robotic surgery and its applications in the management of cervical carcinoma. Methods We electronically searched the MEDLINE from January 1990 until June 2010. We cross-examined article references to identify relevant articles not detected by the electronic search. Results The majority of the reported literature consisted of case series, case reports or retrospective comparisons. Twenty-one articles were included in this review covering the different surgical applications: (5) radical trachelectomy, (12) radical hysterectomy, (3) pelvic exenteration and one parametrectomy. Conclusion Robotic surgery enabled more gynaecological oncologists to perform more complex procedures safely while maintaining the minimal access approach.