Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy: Initial Experience in a High-Volume Laparoscopic Reference Center

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe the surgical technique of robot-assisted sacral colpopexy (RASCP) and to assess its feasibility and safety in a high-volume laparoscopic center. PATIENT AND METHODS: 12 women with symptomatic urogenital prolapse with or without concomitant urinary stress incontinence were treated with RASCP by one surgeon at our institution. The preoperative workup involved a detailed urologica and gynecologic history and physical examination to determine the type, the degree of the prolapse and the presence of concomitant stress urinary incontinence. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 144 minutes (range 120-180 min). No conversion to a laparoscopic or open procedure was necessary. The mean patient age was 57.1 years old (range 44-79). The mean estimated blood loss was 60 mL (range 20-200 mL). The mean catheterization time was 2 days, and the mean hospital stay was 3.4 days (range 3-4 d). At a mean follow-up of 19.1 months (range 8-28 mos), no recurrence of the prolapse occurred. CONCLUSION: RASCP for treatment of patients with urogenital prolapse is a feasible alternative to open and laparoscopic procedures. It procures an anatomic repositioning of the pelvic organs. The short-term results and the complication rates are similar with gold standard techniques.