Robotic-assisted laparoscopic treatment of bowel, bladder, and ureteral endometriosis

Background:

Endometriosis commonly affects the pelvic organs but can also affect organsoutside the pelvis and is then termed extragenital endometriosis.

Cases:

Successful robotically assisted laparoscopic management of extragenitalendometriosis, specifically, endometriosis of the bowel, bladder, and ureterin 5 patients.

Conclusion:

A substantial body of evidence supports the laparoscopic approach as thepreferred method for many procedures; yet, a majority of procedures todaystill are performed by laparotomy. This preference for open procedures islikely due to the lack of trained endoscopic surgeons, the difficulty inobtaining proper instruments, and the long learning curve of operativelaparoscopy. The recent advent of computer-enhanced technology may providethe bridge necessary for more surgeons to incorporate laparoscopic surgeryin the treatment of complex cases.