Implementation of a Robotic Gynecologic Surgery Program in a Rural Setting: Impact on Presence of Assistant Surgeon and Route of Hysterectomy.

Background And Objectives: Robotic surgical technology may obviate the need for an assistant surgeon when performing hysterectomy. In rural communities where physician shortages remain a major barrier to healthcare access, reducing the number of surgeons necessary to complete a hysterectomy would be of significant consequence. We sought to investigate the impact of robotic surgery on both the presence of an assistant surgeon and route of hysterectomy following implementation of a robotic surgery program at a single-site community hospital.