Impact of robotic surgery on obstetric-gynecologic resident training.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the volume and type of surgical techniques for hysterectomies performed prior to and after the introduction of robotic surgery at our institution and to assess the potential impact on obstetric-gynecologic resident training. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study examined the number and types of hysterectomies performed at our institution during the 18 months prior to, and the 18 months after, the introduction of a robotic surgical system. Procedures performed during both time periods were compared by number and percentage using the chi2 or Fisher's exact test for counts < 5. RESULTS: A total of 903 hysterectomies were performed from July 1, 2005, to July 1, 2008. There were 444 hysterectomies in the prerobotic surgical system group and 459 hysterectomies in the postrobotic surgical system group. There was a statistically significant decrease in the number of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies (94 vs. 36; p < 0.001) and total abdominal hysterectomies (249 vs. 203; p < 0.001) performed. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a significant impact on the volume and type of surgical techniques for hysterectomies performed prior to and after the introduction of robotic surgery at our institution. This observation may have direct consequences for obstetric-gynecologic resident surgical experience.