Robotic surgery in obstetrics and gynecology: a bibliometric study

Abstract

We aimed to identify the trends and patterns of robotic surgery research in obstetrics and gynecology since its implementation. We used data from Clarivate’s Web of Science platform to identify all articles published on robotic surgery in obstetrics and gynecology. A total of 838 publications were included in the analysis. Of these, 485 (57.9%) were from North America and 281 (26.0%) from Europe. 788 (94.0%) articles originated in high-income countries and none from low-income countries. The number of publications per year reached a peak of 69 articles in 2014. The subject of 344 (41.1%) of articles was gynecologic oncology, followed by benign gynecology (n = 176, 21.0%) and urogynecology (n = 156, 18.6%). Articles discussing gynecologic oncology had lower representation in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) (32.0% vs. 41.6%, p < 0.001) compared with high income countries. After 2015 there has been a higher representation of publications from Asia (19.7% vs. 7.7%) and from LMIC (8.4% vs. 2.6%), compared to the preceding years. In a multivariable regression analysis, journal’s impact factor [aOR 95% CI 1.30 (1.16–1.41)], gynecologic oncology subject [aOR 95% CI 1.73 (1.06–2.81)] and randomized controlled trials [aOR 95% CI 3.67 (1.47–9.16)] were associated with higher number of citations per year. In conclusion, robotic surgery research in obstetrics & gynecology is dominated by research in gynecologic oncology and reached a peak nearly a decade ago. The disparity in the quantity and quality of robotic research between high income countries and LMIC raises concerns regarding the access of the latter to high quality healthcare resources such as robotic surgery.

Need for formalized robotic training and curriculum in obstetrics and gynecology residency: an examination of current resident outlooks and perspectives

“…The FDA approved RAS for gynecologic surgery in 2005 with rapid growth of use since then [ 2 ]. Although commonly used for general surgery procedures, according to Intuitive Surgical 2021 report, gynecology was the second largest surgical subspecialty using robotic systems in the United States [ 8 ]. A parallel increase has been seen with a rise in robotic hysterectomies with a decline in abdominal, laparoscopic, and vaginal hysterectomies [ 8 ].…”

“…Although commonly used for general surgery procedures, according to Intuitive Surgical 2021 report, gynecology was the second largest surgical subspecialty using robotic systems in the United States [ 8 ]. A parallel increase has been seen with a rise in robotic hysterectomies with a decline in abdominal, laparoscopic, and vaginal hysterectomies [ 8 ]. Numbers have also risen within subspecialities of gynecology such as gynecologic oncology with a rise in minimally invasive staging procedures for uterine cancer after the LAP2 trial illustrated it as a feasible and safe alternative to open surgical staging [ 9 ].…”

Exploring the Evolution of Robotic Surgery in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives

“…Integrating robotic surgery into obstetrics and gynecology precipitated a shift in surgical management, with increasingly complex procedures being executed through this advanced technology. This trajectory has continued to expand, with ongoing research and innovations in robotic systems continually augmenting their capabilities and potential for enhancing patient care [4,5,7].…”

“…The utilization of robotic systems in gynecological surgery has undergone continual evolution, with ongoing research endeavors aimed at elucidating the trends and patterns of robotic surgery in obstetrics and gynecology. This research endeavor strives to discern the advantages and constraints of robotic surgery relative to conventional techniques, offering insights into the prospective trajectory of this field [7].…”

“…Collectively, robotic surgery has left a significant imprint by augmenting surgical precision, enhancing visualization, and potentially fostering improved patient care outcomes in gynecologic procedures [6,7,10,11].…”