Parallel side-docking technique for gynecologic procedures utilizing the da Vinci robot

Minimally invasive approaches to gynecologic surgery have quickly gained favor. The da Vinci surgical system robot as an option for minimally invasive surgery offers many advantages. As the placement of the system between the legs can be prohibitive, we propose a modification of the standard docking procedure by aligning the system parallel to the operating room table. Our experience is that parallel side-docking allows access to the perineum without compromising docking time and range of motion.