Hospital Promotion of the Robot in Gynecologic Surgery: Mainly Hype?

U.S. hospitals commonly promote the use of robotic instrumentation in gynecologic surgery. Investigators analyzed Web-based marketing for hospitals with ≥200 beds.

Of 432 websites assessed, 44% included marketing for robotic gynecologic surgery. Stock images and text available from the manufacturer appeared in 64% and 24% of websites, respectively, and the robot brand name was mentioned in 32%. More than three quarters of websites describing robotic gynecologic procedures reported claims that this approach was associated with less pain, shorter recovery times, and less blood loss. Robotic surgery was referred to as “overall better” or “the most effective” surgical approach in 41% and 26% of these websites, respectively. Fewer than one half i…