originally published in The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology

by AAGL

AAGL Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide

Preamble:   The AAGL Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide provides the following guidelines for privileging qualified surgeons in the performance of robotic-assisted gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. The basic premise is that the surgeon must have the judgment and training to complete the procedure safely as intended and have the capability to convert immediately to a conventional laparoscopic or abdominal procedure when circumstances so indicate. As a basic premise, surgical privileging should be based on training, surgical board certification, and ongoing practical experience [1].

These guidelines are for this publication, primarily in-tended for the United States, and certain terms, associations, and standards references are pertinent only to the United States. Although they reflect the US perspective, it is hoped they might be helpful to local national privileging authorities. The basic principles of currency and competency may still be applicable in any country, and others are encouraged to use these guidelines as the basis for their own modifications.

Purpose:   These guidelines are offered to assist hospital systems in evaluating the qualifications of applicants who wish to perform robotic-assisted gynecologic laparoscopy procedures in their facility. In conjunction with The Joint Commission standards for granting hospital privileges, these guidelines should help hospitals to confer and renew privileges for robotic-assisted gynecologic laparoscopy to surgeons who can demonstrate competence.

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