Robotic single-site excision of ovarian endometrioma

Abstract

Background: Conventional single-incision laparoscopic surgery has been successfully employed for treatment of ovarian endometriomas. However, this technique presents surgeons with formidable ergonomic challenges, that make its widespread adoption unlikely. Robotic assistance in single-incision laparoscopic surgery provides adequate instrument triangulation through a single fulcrum, while eliminating ergonomic challenges to the surgeon. The objective of this video is to describe a novel technique of laparoscopic excision and ablation of ovarian endometriomas with single-site robotic assistance. Footage from a single surgical case is shown in our video. The da Vinci Si surgical system with da Vinci Single-Site platform was utilized. A flexible CO2 laser fiber was employed as the main energy tool. To describe a technique of single-incision laparoscopic excision and ablation of endometriomas with robotic assistance. Footage from a single surgical case is shown in this video. The da Vinci Si surgical system with da Vinci Single-Site platform was utilized. A flexible CO2 laser fiber was employed as the main energy tool. Results: Our technique achieved excellent surgical, clinical and cosmetic results, with complete excision and ablation of the endometriomas and no complications. The procedure was completed in day-surgery setting. Conclusion: Our step-by-step video tutorial shows how the dedicated single incision laparoscopy technology for the da Vinci Si surgical system can be safely and effectively applied to the excision and ablation of ovarian endometriomas. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40738-015-0011-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.