Ergonomic Advantages Research Articles

The Current Role of Robotics in Colorectal Surgery.

Despite the growth in laparoscopic surgery, comparable oncological outcomes, and reduced complication rates, the majority of colorectal surgery is still performed via an open approach. Reasons for this may include technical difficulties associated with operating in narrow spaces such as in the pelvis and inadequate experience. Robotic surgery provides potential solutions to some of these challenges. This review will summarize the state of the literature regarding robotic colorectal surgery. The most consistent benefit of robotic surgery is decreasing operative conversions, specifically in rectal cancer. In partial colectomies, there is evidence to support quicker return to bowel function. Oncologic outcomes compared to the laparoscopic approach are equivalent. Robotic surgery provides solutions to the challenges posed by laparoscopy, including wristed instruments, ease of intracorporeal suturing, and ergonomic advantages. Randomized trials to evaluate peri-operative outcomes will be important. If robotics is able to facilitate conversion of open colectomies to their minimally invasive equivalent, robotics may end up proving to be advantageous in the peri-operative and post-operative period. Continued studies are warranted.

Minimally invasive donor hepatectomy, are we ready for prime time?

Minimally invasive surgery potentially reduces operative morbidities. However, pure laparoscopic approaches to donor hepatectomy have been limited by technical complexity and concerns over donor safety. Reduced-wound donor hepatectomy, either in the form of a laparoscopic-assisted technique or by utilizing a mini-laparotomy wound, i.e., hybrid approach, has been developed to bridge the transition to pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, offering some advantages of minimally invasive surgery. To date, pure laparoscopic donor left lateral sectionectomy has been validated for its safety and advantages and has become the standard in experienced centres. Pure laparoscopic approaches to major left and right liver donation have been reported for their technical feasibility in expert hands. Robotic-assisted donor hepatectomy also appears to be a valuable alternative to pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, providing additional ergonomic advantages to the surgeon. Existing reports derive from centres with tremendous experience in both laparoscopic hepatectomy and donor hepatectomy. The complexity of these procedures means an arduous transition from technical feasibility to reproducibility. Donor safety is paramount in living donor liver transplantation. Careful donor selection and adopting standardized techniques allow experienced transplant surgeons to safely accumulate experience and acquire proficiency. An international prospective registry will advance the understanding for the role and safety of pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy.

Robotic Platform for an IPAA.

An IPAA is the preferred operative approach for restoration of intestinal continuity in patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. As minimally invasive approaches have become more widely adopted, their use in IPAA has also become increasingly commonplace. Laparoscopy has the same limitations during the proctectomy portion as seen in operations for rectal cancer, including dissection in the mid-to-lower rectum attributed to angles created by bony confines of the deep pelvis and lack of visibility when constructing the anastomosis. Robotic surgery provides improved 3-dimensional and high-definition visualization of the pelvis and multiple degrees of freedom, which greatly enhance performance during the proctectomy and construction of the anastomosis. In the setting of a previous subtotal colectomy, the ileostomy site is taken down and stapled across. A 15-mm balloon trocar is placed in the site to achieve insufflation, and the robotic ports are placed horizontally just above the umbilicus. The lateral mesenteric attachments are mobilized laparoscopically, then the J-pouch is constructed through the ostomy site. The J-pouch is placed back into the abdomen with the anvil in place, and the proctectomy is performed after docking the robot. The rectum is stapled with the robotic stapler and exteriorized from the ileostomy site, and the anastomosis is constructed under direct robotic visualization. In addition to the potential ergonomic advantages, the maneuverability and visualization in the pelvis during the proctectomy and construction of the anastomosis are reported by many surgeons to be improved as compared with laparoscopy, especially in male or obese patients. A robotic approach during the proctectomy and IPAA offers significant advantages to a laparoscopic approach, expanding our armamentarium of minimally invasive surgical techniques to IPAA.

V12-02 ANALYSIS OF SURGEON BIOMETRICS DURING OPEN AND ROBOTIC RADICAL CYSTECTOMY WITH ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND MOTION CAPTURE ANALYSIS

You have accessJournal of UrologyImaging Based Techniques & Uroradiology1 Apr 2018V12-02 ANALYSIS OF SURGEON BIOMETRICS DURING OPEN AND ROBOTIC RADICAL CYSTECTOMY WITH ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND MOTION CAPTURE ANALYSIS Adam Baumgarten, Jeff Robison, John Mayer, Dustin Hardwick, and Trushar Patel Adam BaumgartenAdam Baumgarten More articles by this author , Jeff RobisonJeff Robison More articles by this author , John MayerJohn Mayer More articles by this author , Dustin HardwickDustin Hardwick More articles by this author , and Trushar PatelTrushar Patel More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.3010AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Three published randomized clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a significant advantage for robotics in patients undergoing radical cystectomy compared to open surgery, however, none of these trials have evaluated surgeon performance or preference regarding these procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine feasibility in measuring surgeon physical stress during both open radical cystectomy (ORC) and robotic radical cystectomy (RRC) using real-time motion capture and electromyographic (EMG) analysis. METHODS After IRB approval, a single surgeon who routinely performs both ORC and RRC was recruited to participate in the study. Analysis was done in two patients, one patient who underwent ORC and the other RRC. Exclusion criteria included BMI > 35, history of prior radiation, node-positive disease, and >cT2 disease. The diversion was excluded from this study. The Noraxon® Biomechanical Analysis System version 3.8 was used for data analysis. We used 6 MyoMotion Kinematics Analysis Sensors to quantify the amount of joint and segmental motion of the spine, shoulders, and head. 16 channels of MyoMuscle EMG sensors were used to measure activation levels, patterns, and fatigue characteristics of key muscle groups. Surgeon strength and endurance of the core musculature was assessed with the Prone Static Plank Test (PSPT) and Modified Biering-Sorensen Test (MBST) before and after surgery each surgery. Validated techniques for motion and EMG data collection and processing were used. RESULTS Descriptive analyses were run for 5 stages of the surgeries representing ureteral dissection, posterior dissection, bladder and prostate pedicle dissection, dorsal vein ligation, and lymph node dissection. During ORC, the percentage of time spent in cervical flexion for each stage was 98%, 91.8%, 87.5%, 100%, and 97.1% respectively. During RRC, 100% of the time was spent in cervical flexion for all stages. Activation of key muscle groups for both procedures was examined across all 5 stages and expressed as a percentage of peak activation. The pre and post open surgery MBST was both 25 sec and the PSPT was 68 sec and 48 sec, respectively. The pre and post robotic surgery MBST was 25.1 sec and 32.4 sec, respectively and the PSPT was 59 sec and 51 sec, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We were able to identify meaningful data using motion and EMG analysis during ORC and RRC. Target muscle groups were identified that can be used to conduct a larger study with multiple surgeons to help identify if there is an ergonomic advantage to RRC over traditional ORC. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e1236-e1237 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Adam Baumgarten More articles by this author Jeff Robison More articles by this author John Mayer More articles by this author Dustin Hardwick More articles by this author Trushar Patel More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

A new refined technique for myogenic ptosis correction with resection of myotarsal flap by conjunctival approach

ABSTRACTThe purpose is to present a new refined surgical technique for mild-to-severe acquired myogenic ptosis correction under local anaesthesia (LA) as day cases with resection of myotarsal (MT) flap and demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the technique. MT flap consists of 2 mm tarsal strip with attached levator complex – levator muscle, its aponeurosis, and Müller muscle.This is a retrospective personal series of 400+ patients, who underwent surgical correction with MT flap resection of 8–24 mm under LA mostly as day cases.No patient had any complication. Results were satisfactory as assessed on these criteria: (i) elevation of the lid at least above the visual axis; (ii) normal contours of the lid without distortion, with the eyelid conforming to the contours of the globe; (iii) static and dynamic symmetry of upper eyelids; (iv) formation of a normal and symmetrical lid fold; (v) healthy comfortable ocular surface and cornea; and (vi) patient and surgeon satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome.Resection of the MT flap is a safe and effective, microsurgical technique of ptosis correction, yielding satisfactory results without complications, with ergonomic advantages of the inclusion of a tarsal strip. The versatility of the MT flap extends to its use for correction of upper lid retraction, and for formation of the posterior lamina of full thickness small to subtotal lower lid reconstructions.

Glissonian approach for liver resection along with DeBakey forceps crushing technique for liver parenchymal transection: A review of 21 cases and ergonomic advantages

Glissonian approach for liver resection along with DeBakey forceps crushing technique for liver parenchymal transection: A review of 21 cases and ergonomic advantages

Robotic Assisted Kidney Transplant, Reserved for the Deserved

Robotic assisted kidney transplant is the latest technical milestone in kidney transplant surgery. But, unlike other minimal invasive surgery, robotic kidney transplant has been slow to gain popularity despite the ergonomic advantage and lower wound complications, due to the costs involved, therefore questioning its true need in transplant surgery. Clearly the indications of robotic assisted kidney transplant are unclear, further debating its utility. Obesity in kidney transplant has been steadily growing, in accordance with the rising obesity rates worldwide. Obesity leads to poor outcomes after any general surgical procedure due to the higher incidence of complications, and subsequently, negatively impacts graft and patient survival after a kidney transplant. Therefore, some of obese patients can significantly benefit with a robotic kidney transplant and therefore justify its utility and cost. Robotic kidney transplant is not here to replace the open conventional surgery, but rather act as an alternative tool, reserved to benefit certain patients only.

Use of the Avegant Glyph Head-Mounted Virtual Retinal Projection Display to Perform Vitreoretinal Surgery

Objective: To evaluate the use of a novel retinal projection display in vitreoretinal surgery. Methods: The Avegant Glyph virtual retinal display, which uses a light-emitting diode and micromirror array to project directly onto the retinas of the user, was evaluated. This unit was modified for better operating room characteristics. It was evaluated by 6 surgeons performing mock vitreoretinal surgeries. Results: The majority reported high 3-dimensional (3-D) depth rendition, little hindrance to communication, and high confidence to perform procedures. Due to a small ocular size, surgeons conveyed that the Glyph provides a novel enhanced view for performing procedures benefiting from simultaneous intra- and extraocular visualization such as scleral depression. Safety analysis by performing fundus autofluorescence after 2 hours of Glyph operation did not reveal any gross qualitative change. Conclusion: Use of the Avegant Glyph to perform vitreoretinal surgery may provide ergonomic advantages, while its visualization and high 3-D stereoscopic depth rendition instill high surgeon confidence to safely perform procedures. We are performing further studies with objective data to validate the potential of this technology.

Redesign process of a semi-powered patient transfer device

Intra-facility patient transfer poses substantial risks of patient falls and care-giver’s musculoskeletal injuries. Several patient lifters and aid devices have been introduced but they have not been widely used due to their bulky size and slow operation. A prototype of new patient transfer aid device has been developed to help care-givers transfer patients safely and more efficiently than conventional manual transferring or the use of powered patient lifters. This study was aimed to explain how the new patient transfer aid device has been developed, evaluated and redesigned to improve its safety, functionality and usability. Both laboratory experiment using a quantitative assessment method and field user research by interview and shadowing have been conducted to evaluate ergonomic advantages and to identify usability issues when transferring patients using the new aid device. Then, the initial prototype has been redesigned to address the issues and improve overall usability.

Robotic Assistance Confers Ambidexterity to Laparoscopic Surgeons

Study ObjectiveTo examine whether a robotic surgical platform can complement the fine motor skills of the nondominant hand, compensating for the innate difference in dexterity between surgeon's hands, thereby conferring virtual ambidexterity. DesignCrossover intervention study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SettingCenters for medical simulation in 2 tertiary care hospitals of Harvard Medical School. ParticipantsThree groups of subjects were included: (1) surgical novices (medical graduates with no robotic/laparoscopic experience); (2) surgeons in training (postgraduate year 3–4 residents and fellows with intermediate robotic and laparoscopic experience); and (3) advanced surgeons (attending surgeons with extensive robotic and laparoscopic experience). InterventionsEach study group completed 3 dry laboratory exercises based on exercises included in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) curriculum. Each exercise was completed 4 times: using the dominant and nondominant hands, on a standard laparoscopic FLS box trainer, and in a robotic dry laboratory setup. Participants were randomized to the handedness and setting order in which they tackled the tasks. Measurements and Main ResultsPerformance was primarily measured as time to completion, with adjustments based on errors. Means of performance for the dominant versus nondominant hand for each task were calculated and compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance. A total of 36 subjects were enrolled (12 per group). In the laparoscopic setting, the mean overall time to completion of all 3 tasks with the dominant hand differed significantly from that with the nondominant hand (439.4 seconds vs 568.4 seconds; p = .0008). The between-hand performance difference was nullified with the robotic system (374.4 seconds vs 399.7 seconds; p = .48). The evaluation of performance for each individual task also revealed a statistically significant disparate performance between hands for all 3 tasks when the laparoscopic approach was used (p = .003, .02, and .01, respectively); however, no between-hand difference was observed when the tasks were performed robotically. On analysis across the 3 surgeon experience groups, the performance advantage of robotic technology remained significant for the surgical novice and intermediate-level experience groups. ConclusionRobot-assisted laparoscopy may eliminate the operative handedness observed in conventional laparoscopy, allowing for virtual ambidexterity. This ergonomic advantage is particularly evident in surgical trainees. Virtual ambidexterity may represent an additional aspect of surgical robotics that facilitates mastery of minimally invasive skills.

Considering Ergonomics in the Planning of Tugger Train Systems for Production Supply

For the planning of a production supply using a tugger train system, no holistic methods are available that allow one to factor in all important criteria that influence the decision-making process. This paper investigates the possibilities for the consideration of ergonomics in the system design of tugger train systems, based on an empirical study with 42 test subjects. Three basic concepts of tugger trains used in the German automotive industry are defined and evaluated regarding ergonomics. With the aid of a software-based model for tugger trains, which takes the whole life cycle of the tugger train system into account, the economic feasibility of found ergonomic advantages is analyzed. Furthermore, it is exemplarily shown how an informed decision about technical details of a tugger train system can have a positive impact on the ergonomics and economics of the system.

Contamination of dental unit waterlines: assessment of three continuous water disinfection systems.

Objectives:To assess the efficacy of three continuous water disinfection systems for dental units under real conditions of dental care.Design and settings:A prospective study carried out from 45 days to 20 months on the water microbial quality of the dental units is benefited from three different systems: two chemical treatment systems (IGN EVO/Calbenium/IGN Cartridge and Sterispray) and one physical treatment system (BacTerminator). Studied items were six dental units of the Dental Medicine and Oral Surgery Center within the University Hospital of Strasbourg (HUS), France.Results and disucussion:The IGN EVO/Calbenium/IGN Cartridge and Sterispray systems showed an immediate and long-term efficacy on contaminated dental unit waterlines. However, the first system offers ergonomic advantages (automatic system, action on the water from the water supply network). The BacTerminator system took longer to be effective and was less effective than the other two.

Ergonomic comparison between a ‘right angle’ handle style and standard style paint brush: An electromyographic analysis

BackgroundEpidemiologic studies have consistently demonstrated a strong positive association between repetition and “occupational overuse syndromes” (OOS). The repetitive nature of painting then can predispose many people to these disorders. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to conduct an electromyographic analysis (EMG) comparing a right angle handle paint applicator with a commonly used, equal quality standard handle paint brush. MethodA randomized cross over repeated measures design was implemented where 30 volunteers were randomly given a paint brush handle type while muscle activity (EMG) was recorded from eight upper limb muscles groups. Subjects were their own controls returning within one week to perform the same painting activity with the other paint brush handle type. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to analyze the EMG data among muscles between the two painting trials. ResultsEMG analysis revealed that there was no difference in EMG activity or median frequency between the two types of paint brush handles in the eight muscles studied (p > 0.05). ConclusionA right angle handle has no added ergonomic advantage in modifying muscle activity or decreasing muscle fatigue over a commonly used standard handle paint brush in people without injury. It was suggested that the right angle style brush may not prevent OOSs from occurring, although there still could be a decrease risk of injury based on the posture used when gripping the brush handle. It must be emphasized, however, that this study's results cannot be extrapolated to people who already have an OOS and need a device to prevent further injury and pain. Further study is needed.

A5198 - The Safety and Effectiveness of Totally Robotic Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Patients undergoing secondary bariatric procedures and revisions, in comparison to primary surgeries, are at higher risk for mortality and morbidity, including the risk for gastrointestinal leaks. The da Vinci robotic surgery system, with its ergonomic advantage, 3-D vision and tremor control may improve operative outcomes for high risk patients. To our knowledge, there are currently no studies of the safety and effectiveness of 'totally' robotic procedures for revisional bariatric surgery. In this study, we report on the surgical outcomes and rates of morbidity and mortality of a relatively large number of revisional bariatric procedures performed 'totally' robotic.

Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery

The oncological outcome of patients with rectal cancer has improved considerably over the past few decades. This is mainly due to the introduction of the surgical concept of total mesorectal excision (TME) and the implementation of multimodal treatment strategies. Additionally, it has recently been demonstrated that the oncological results of open and laparoscopic TME are comparable. For some time there has been an ongoing debate on the potential relevance of robotic assistance systems in visceral surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the operative and perioperative outcomes of patients with rectal or rectosigmoid cancer, who were operated on using the Da Vinci Surgical System. We retrospectively analysed the outcomes of 202 consecutive patients, who were operated between September 2010 and November 2015 in three Surgical Centers. The cohort consisted of 136 men and 66 women with a mean BMI of 28. We performed the following procedures: 49 anterior rectal resections, 119 low anterior rectal resections, and 34 abdominoperineal excisions. Conversion to an open procedure was required in 13 patients. Non-surgical complications (n = 27) occurred in 24 patients (12%) and surgical complications (n = 67) in 62 patients (31%). Most complications were due to abdominal or sacral wound infections (n = 25) and anastomotic leaks (n = 18). The mortality rate within 30 days was 2%. The rate of R0 resections was 95%, with circumferential resection margins being negative in 98% of the patients. The quality of the mesorectal resection was scored as good in 91% of the patients. The Da Vinci Surgical System can be used safely and with a low complication rate for surgical treatment of rectal cancer. While primary evidence suggests that the outcome of robotic-assisted surgery is comparable with open and laparoscopic surgery, its definitive value has to be determined upon publication of the prospective randomized ROLARR trial. The main advantages of the Da Vinci system are its endowristed instruments with multiple degrees of freedom and its optimised visualisation (3D, stable camera platform controlled by the surgeon). Another positive feature is the significant ergonomic advantage for the surgeon.

Non‐invasive Analyte Access and Sensing through Eccrine Sweat: Challenges and Outlook circa 2016

AbstractDespite the many ergonomic advantages of eccrine perspiration (sweat) compared to other possible biofluids (particularly in “wearable” devices), sweat remains an underrepresented source of biomarker analytes compared to the established biofluids blood, urine, and saliva. Upon closer comparison to other non‐invasive biofluids, the advantages may even extend beyond ergonomics: sweat might provide superior analyte information. A number of challenges, however, have historically kept sweat from its place in the pantheon of clinical samples. These challenges include very low sample volumes (nL to µL), unknown concentration due to evaporation, filtration and dilution of large analytes, mixing of old and new sweat, and the potential for contamination from the skin surface. More recently, rapid progress in “wearable” sweat sampling and sensing devices has resolved several of the historical challenges. However, this recent progress has also been limited to high concentration analytes (µM to mM) sampled at high sweat rates (>1 nL/min/gland, e.g. athletics). Progress will be much more challenging as sweat biosensing moves towards use with sedentary users (low sweat rates or not sweating at all) and/or towards low concentration analytes (pM to nM). Addressing these unresolved challenges will require significant advances in sweat stimulation, sample collection efficiency, compact sensors, and likely more. Fortunately, none of the remaining challenges appear to be fundamentally blocking, and scientific and engineering innovations have the opportunity to enable broader application of sweat biosensing technology.

Geometric and ergonomic characteristics of the uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach.

During the last three decades, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been revolutionizing the surgical treatment of several thoracic pathologies. Compared to open thoracotomy, VATS has demonstrated not only a significant reduction in pain, recovery time and complications but also a significant improvement in the post-operative quality of life for patients. The uniportal VATS technique was initially described in the early 2000s. This technique involves the simultaneous introduction of instruments parallel to a thoracoscope through one small incision, the breadth of a surgeon's finger, without further dissection of the intercostal space. Some papers have already demonstrated the advantage of uniportal VATS in comparison to the traditional three-port techniques in reducing postoperative pain, length of hospital stay and time of return to activities of daily living. Standard three-port VATS has a geometric configuration of a trapezoid that interferes with the optical source by creating a new optical plane which generates a torsion angle not favorable with standard two-dimensional monitors. By contrast, the uniportal VATS approach along a sagittal plane from a caudo-cranial perspective enables a projective plane that preserves the depth of intraoperative visualization. The instruments, as parallel lines from this plane, enable the surgeon to bring the operative fulcrum inside the chest. In addition, the uniportal VATS approach can significantly improve the surgeons' body posture during surgery since the surgeons can stand straight facing the monitor with minimal neck movement. Thus, the surgeons benefit from ergonomic advantages compared to the standard three-port approach.

Posture analysis among Flemish secondary school teachers: difference between the use of chalkboards and electronic school boards during classroom teaching

The aim of this study was to (i) make a posture analysis of teachers during theoretical classroom teaching; (ii) to estimate the risk for the development of musculoskeletal problems (MSP); (iii) test the hypotheses that an electronic school board (EB) has more ergonomic advantages for teachers. Thirty-five secondary school teachers, of which 15 used an EB and 20 used chalkboards, were selected by convenience sampling and filmed during 30 min of a theoretical course. Posture analysis of back, arms, legs and risk assessment was performed using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System. Most of the teachers’ postures did not indicate a higher risk for MSP. However, some postures may be harmful when accumulated for several hours of teaching a day; especially, long periods of standing and standing with a bended back. Results also indicated that currently the use of an EB does not improve teachers’ posture.Practitioner Summary: The relationship between objectively measured physical work load and risk for injuries among teachers was not analysed so far. In this study teachers’ posture was analysed using the OWAS method. Prolonged standing and forward bending were identified as risk postures. Also, using an electronic school board currently does not improve posture.

MON-PP021: Clinical, Ergonomic, and Economic Advantages of Multi-Chamber Bags as Compared to (Hospital) Pharmacy Compounded Bags and Multi-Bottle Systems: A Systematic Literature Review

Rationale: One of the potential risks of PN is overfeeding. This situation may be more common in HPN patients, especially in those with malabsorption syndromes. Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) measured by Indirect calorimetry (IC) allows us to adapt the nutritional support to the real nutritional needs and the respiratory quotient (RQ) gives information about the possibility of overfeeding (RQ >1). Aims: To evaluate the differences between REE measured by IC and calculated with a predictive equation either in patients receiving HPN exclusive due to intolerance to oral diet or HPN complementary to oral diet (OD). Analyze whether the RQ allows us to detect the adequacy of nutritional support (HPN+OD) in both groups of patients. Methods: Patients enrolled in the HPN program (2005 2014) underwent IC (SensorMedics Vmax). Measured REE was compared with predicted by Harris Benedict formula (HB). RQ was assessed. Diet composition was calculated by 3 days dietary recall. Results: 29 patients studied (50.5 years, range 23 78), 18 women. Results are presented in the table.

Minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer.

To critically appraise the pertinent literature on traditional laparoscopy and robotically assisted laparoscopy for the treatment of endometrial cancer. Multiple retrospective and prospective studies on traditional laparoscopy and retrospective studies on robotically assisted laparoscopy for the treatment of uterine cancers have shown reduced blood loss, shorter length of hospital stay and decreased incidence and severity of postoperative surgical complications compared with laparotomy. Minimally invasive techniques maintain equivalent oncologic results with regard to the number of dissected lymph nodes and overall and disease-free survival rates.Compared with traditional laparoscopy, robotic surgery has a lower rate of conversion to laparotomy, lower blood loss and presents significant ergonomic advantages for the surgeon facilitating execution of complex oncologic procedures. Minimally invasive techniques are particularly advantageous in obese patients, reducing perioperative and postoperative abdominal wound complications. A thorough review of the literature indicates that minimally invasive approach has a number of established advantages over laparotomy that makes it the surgical treatment option of choice in endometrial carcinoma patients.