The role of the surgical robot in gender-affirming surgery: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND

Gender-affirming surgery is a growing field to address gender dysphoria, which is an increasingly recognized condition. The surgical robot is an excellent tool for performing some gender-affirming procedures and has been utilized extensively in both feminizing and masculinizing surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview for the use of the surgical robot in gender-affirming surgeries.

DESIGN

This is a scoping review.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted by the authors via PubMed and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

The ability of the robot to operate within the pelvis makes it an excellent platform for performing colpectomy with colpocleisis, hysterectomy, and vaginoplasty. A variety of grafts and flaps are amenable to robotic employment in the setting of gender-affirming surgeries. Finally, many revisions can be performed via the robotic approach, regardless of the approach of a patient's primary surgery.

CONCLUSION

The surgical robot is a useful tool for performing gender-affirming surgeries, including primary surgeries and revisions. Future research will continue to define roles for the robot in the setting of gender-affirming surgery, improve outcomes, and develop novel techniques.