The first 60 cases of robotic sacrocolpopexy with the novel HUGO RAS system: feasibility, setting and perioperative outcomes.

Introduction: We present the preliminary report of the first 60 cases of robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) performed with a minimally invasive approach by using the new HUGO RAS system (Medtronic) with the aim of assessing its feasibility, safety and efficacy. Methods: Results in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, post-operative pain, length of hospitalisation, intra and post-operative complications were comparable to previously described laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Results: Urogynecological assessment at three months follow up showed surgical anatomic success in 96.7% of patients (<2 POP-Q stage), while subjective cure rate was 98.3%. Conclusions: This is the first series analyzing RSCP outcomes for POP using the new Hugo RAS system. Our results suggest effectiveness both in objective and subjective outcomes, with minimal intra and post-operative complications. Larger series as well as longer follow-up are needed to better define advantages and possible disadvantages of this novel system. Our work may represent the basis of future studies to confirm its safety, efficacy and feasibility, and may provide technical notes for other centres that wish to perform RSCP through this innovative system.

Mesh exposure following minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Sacrocolpopexy is considered mainstay treatment for apical or vaginal vault prolapse and is currently most often performed via a minimally invasive approach. Although mesh-related complications after this procedure are uncommon, mesh exposure can have an important impact on the patient's quality of life. Our objective is to perform a literature review on this complication post laparoscopic or robotic sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: Web of Science and MEDLINE databases were searched for relevant articles published between 2005 and 2021. We retrieved 272 articles of which 83 ultimately were withheld. RESULTS: Minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISC) implies a low risk of mesh exposure, which is currently estimated at 3.5%. Literature however is marked by substantial methodological heterogeneity. Controversy remains in the debate over prevention of mesh exposure after MISC. Performing a concomitant total hysterectomy is associated with an increased risk compared to subtotal hysterectomy or hysteropexy. Treatment of mesh exposure is challenging as guidelines are lacking. Although supported by few prospective data, patients with asymptomatic mesh exposure are managed conservatively. Surgical intervention, preferentially performed by an experienced pelvic surgeon, is indicated in symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Mesh exposure is often undiagnosed and remains untreated. There is a gap in evidence exploring risk factors for mesh-related complications and efficient measures for reducing them. Choosing the best treatment option is still difficult. Management should be individualized and optimized at the time of diagnosis. Lack of acknowledgement and experience can result in increased morbidity.

[Prevalence and risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms after robotic sacrocolpopexy.] / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de síntomas del tracto urinario inferior post sacrocolpopexia robótica.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the outcomes of Robotic Sacrocolpopexy (RSC) on resolution of Lower urinary tract Symptoms (LUTS) associated to pelvic organ prolapses (POP) and to determine the risk factors for preoperative LUTS presence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was carried out on 51 females mean aged (± standard deviation) 66 ± 9 years, who underwent RSC. A preoperative evaluation was made on the degree and type of POP, and the presence of the LUTS stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgency and voiding difficulty. An urodynamic study was also performed. The presence of LUTS was evaluated again six months after being operated on. The statistical test used were the Mcnermar test for dependent variables, the Fisher's exact test and the t Student's mean comparison test. The signification level was set at p < 0.05 bilaterally. RESULTS: A significate decrease of postoperative SUI and voiding difficult was observed. However, urgency did not significantly diminish. Transobturatice free-tension mesh ( TOT) implementation in patients with evident or occult (with POP reduction) urodynamic SUI significantly decreased the prevalence of symptomatic SUI. The only significate risk factor was the preoperative presence of urgency regarding its postoperative prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic sacrocolpopexy significantly improves postoperative voiding difficult. TOT implement in patients with positive POP reduction test is useful to prevent postoperative symptomatic SUI.

OBJETIVOS: Analizar los resultados de la sacrocolpopexia laparoscópica (LSC) robótica en la resolución de los síntomas funcionales del tracto urinario inferior (LUTS) asociados a los prolapsos pélvicos (POP) y determinar los posibles factores de riesgo para la presencia de LUTS postoperatorios.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal de 51 mujeres de edad media (± desviación típica) 66 ± 9 años intervenidas de LSC robótica por POP. Preoperatoriamente se evaluó el grado y tipo de POP, la presencia de los LUTS incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo (SUI), y urgencia y dificultad miccionales, y se realizó un estudio urodinámico. A los 6 meses de la cirugía se volvió a evaluar la presencia de LUTS. Los test estadísticos utilizados fueron el test de Mcnemar para variables dependientes y el test exacto de Fisher y la prueba de comparación de medias de la t de Student para variables independientes. El nivel de significación se fijó en p < 0,05 bilateral. RESULTADOS: Se comprobó una disminución postoperatoria significativa de la SUI y la dificultad miccional, pero no de la urgencia miccional. La implantación de una malla transobturatiriz (TOT) en pacientes con incontinencia de esfuerzo urodinámica evidente o Post reducción del POP (incontinencia de esfuerzo oculta) disminuyo significativamente la prevalencia de SUI sintomática postoperatoria. El único factor de riesgo significativo fue la presencia preoperatoria de urgencia miccional respecto a la prevalencia postoperatoria de ese LUTS. CONCLUSIONES: La LSC robótica mejora significativamente la dificultad miccional preoperatoria. La implantación de un TOT en pacientes con test de reducción del POP positivo es útil para prevenir la SUI sintomática postoperatoria.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de síntomas del tracto urinario inferior post sacrocolpopexia robótica / Prevalence and risk factors of lower urinary tract symptoms after robotic sacrocolpopexy

Objetivos: Analizar los resultados de lasacrocolpopexia la paroscópica (LSC) robótica en la resolución de los síntomas funcionales del tracto urinarioinferior (LUTS) asociados a los prolapsos pélvicos (POP)y determinar los posibles factores de riesgo para la presencia de LUTS postoperatorios.Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal de 51 mujeres de edad media (± desviacióntípica) 66 ± 9 años intervenidas de LSC robótica porPOP. Preoperatoriamente se evaluó el grado y tipo dePOP, la presencia de los LUTS incontinencia urinaria deesfuerzo (SUI), y urgencia y dificultad miccionales, y serealizó un estudio urodinámico. A los 6 meses de lacirugía se volvió a evaluar la presencia de LUTS. Los testestadísticos utilizados fueron el test de Mcnemar paravariables dependientes y el test exacto de Fisher y la prueba de comparación de medias de la t de Studentpara variables independientes. El nivel de significaciónse fijó en p < 0,05 bilateral.Resultados: Se comprobó una disminución postoperatoria significativa de la SUI y la dificultad miccional,pero no de la urgencia miccional. La implantación deuna malla transobturatiriz (TOT) en pacientes con incontinencia de esfuerzo urodinámica evidente o Post reducción del POP (incontinencia de esfuerzo oculta) disminuyo significativamente la prevalencia de SUI sintomáticapostoperatoria. El único factor de riesgo significativofue la presencia preoperatoria de urgencia miccionalrespecto a la prevalencia postoperatoria de ese LUTS.Conclusiones: La LSC robótica mejora significativamente la dificultad miccional preoperatoria. La implantación de un TOT en pacientes con test de reduccióndel POP positivo es útil para prevenir la SUI sintomáticapostoperatoria.(AU)

Objetives: To analyse the outcomes ofRobotic Sacrocolpopexy (RSC) on resolution of Lowerurinary tract Symptoms (LUTS) associated to pelvic organprolapses (POP) and to determine the risk factors for preoperative LUTS presence.Material and methods: A longitudinal study wascarried out on 51 females mean aged (± standard deviation) 66 ± 9 years, who underwent RSC. A preoperative evaluation was made on the degree and type of POP, and the presence of the LUTS stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgency and voiding difficulty. An urodynamic study was also performed. The presence of LUTSwas evaluated again six months after being operatedon. The statistical test used were the Mcnermar test fordependent variables, the Fisher’s exact test and the tStudent’s mean comparison test. The signification levelwas set at p < 0.05 bilaterally.Results: A significate decrease of postoperative SUIand voiding difficult was observed. However, urgencydid not significantly diminish. Transobturatice free-tensionmesh ( TOT) implementation in patients with evident oroccult (with POP reduction) urodynamic SUI significantlydecreased the prevalence of symptomatic SUI. The onlysignificate risk factor was the preoperative presence ofurgency regarding its postoperative prevalence.Conclusions: Robotic sacrocolpopexy significantlyimproves postoperative voiding difficult. TOT implementin patients with positive POP reduction test is useful toprevent postoperative symptomatic SUI.(AU)

Robotic and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sacrocolpopexy is the gold standard procedure for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP) patients with apical defects. Different surgical approaches have emerged and been utilized successively, including traditional laparoscopy, single-hole laparoscopy, robotic laparoscopy, vaginal-assisted laparoscopy, and transvaginal approaches. Robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) has attracted increasing attention as an emerging surgical technique and has unique advantages, such as a "simulated wrist" mechanical arm and high-definition three-dimensional (3D) visual field, which has gradually begun to be utilized in the clinical setting. METHODS: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting checklist, and a systematic literature search was conducted on six databases from their inception to 1st March 2020. We evaluated patients with POP who underwent RSC or laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC), outcomes (including perioperative outcomes: blood loss, operating times, blood transfusion, and hospital stay), surgery-related complications, as well as cure and recurrence rates. RESULTS: A total of 49 articles were available, including 3,014 patients, among which 18 were comparative studies on LSC vs. RSC, and 31 were non-comparative single-arm studies on RSC. For RSC, median operative time was 226 [90-604] minutes, estimated blood loss was 56 [5-1,500] mL, and hospital stay was 1.55 [1-16] days. Intraoperative complications and postoperative complications occurred in 74 (2.7%) and 360 (13.0%) patients, respectively. Of 2,768 RSC patients, 40 had been converted from a robot-assisted approach to other approaches, and 134 of 1,852 patients (7.2%) have recurrent prolapses of any compartment. Compared to LSC, RSC was associated with significantly lower blood loss and lower conversion rate. However, more operative time was observed in RSC. No significant differences were observed in perioperative transfusion, intraoperative and postoperative complications, or objective recurrence between RSC and LSC. CONCLUSIONS: RSC's application seems to contribute some advantages compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery, although both approaches appear to promote equivalent clinical outcomes. Notably, heterogeneity among studies might have affected the outcome of the study. Consequently, high-quality and large-sample randomized trials comparing both techniques are necessitated.

Implementation of robotic gynecological surgery in a German University Hospital: patient safety after 110 procedures.

PURPOSE: Robotic surgery represents the latest development in the field of minimally invasive surgery and offers many technical advantages. Despite the higher costs, this novel approach has been applied increasingly in gynecological surgery. Regarding the implementation of a new operative method; however, the most important factor to be aware of is patient safety. In this study, we describe our experience in implementing robotic surgery in a German University Hospital focusing on patient safety after 110 procedures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 110 consecutive robotic procedures performed in the University Hospital of Würzburg between June 2017 and September 2019. During this time, 37 patients were treated for benign general gynecological conditions, 27 patients for gynecological malignancies, and 46 patients for urogynecological conditions. We evaluated patient safety through standardized assessment of intra- and postoperative complications, which were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: No complications were recorded in 90 (81.8%) operations. We observed Clavien-Dindo grade I complications in 8 (7.3%) cases, grade II complications in 5 (4.5%) cases, grade IIIa complications in 1 case (0.9%), and grade IIIb complications in 6 (5.5%) cases. No conversion to laparotomy or blood transfusion was needed. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery could be implemented for complex gynecological operations without relevant problems and was accompanied by low complication rates.

Robotic Surgery in Gynecology.

The robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgical approach has improved complex gynecologic surgeries. It has the advantages of excellent visualization through the high-resolution 3-dimensional view, a wrist-like motion of the robotic arms and improved ergonomics. Similar to conventional laparoscopic surgeries, it is associated with a decrease in long-term surgical morbidity, early recovery and return to work, and improved esthetics. We discuss preoperative planning, surgical techniques, and some of the latest clinical results of robotic-assisted laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

Perioperative adverse events in women over age 65 undergoing robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic floor disorders are common among and disproportionately affect older women. There are limited data regarding perioperative adverse events in older women undergoing robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASC) specifically. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of perioperative adverse events in younger (age <65 years) versus older (age >65 years) women who underwent RASC. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent RASC between 2013 and 2018. Postoperative adverse events were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Our primary outcome was the rate of intraoperative adverse events and postoperative adverse events with Clavien-Dindo grade II or greater. Outcomes were compared using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of the 327 patients included in the study, 227 were <65 years of age and 100 were ≥65 years of age. Women ≥65 years of age had higher rates of hypertension, higher American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores compared with women <65 years of age; these were not associated with increased likelihood of adverse events. The overall rate of any perioperative adverse event was 18.3%. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall rate of perioperative adverse events between younger and older women (18.5% vs 18.0%, p = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in rate of adverse events between women ≥65 years of age undergoing RASC and their younger counterparts.

Perioperative outcomes after robotic versus vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.

The objectives of the study were to compare post-anesthesia care unit opioid use and pain scores, surgical and hospitalization times, and perioperative adverse events rates following robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) versus transvaginal uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS). This was a retrospective analysis of women 18 years and older who underwent either robotic sacrocolpopexy (n = 87) or transvaginal uterosacral ligament suspension (n = 103) between January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017 at Downey Medical Center by two surgeons. Data including nurses' verbal pain scores and opioid use were abstracted from electronic medical records. Adverse events were classified using the Clavien-Dindo scale. Women in the robotic group were older (62 ± 8 years vs 58 ± 11 years, p = 0.005), had higher rate of stage III or IV prolapse [49/87 (56%) vs 15/103 (15%), p < 0.0002], lower postoperative pain scores (2.6 ± 1.8 vs 4.2 ± 2.4, p < 0.0001), and used less opioids (26 ± 17 mg morphine dose equivalent vs 35 ± 24 mg morphine dose equivalent, p = 0.005) than those in the transvaginal group. Readmissions and reoperations for adverse events were not significantly different between the RSC and USLS groups [5/87 (6%) vs 12/103 (12%), p = 0.16], respectively. Moreover, Dindo-Clavien scores of II or higher occurred at similar rates between the two groups [20/87 (23%) vs 26/103 (25%), p = 0.72]. However, patients had a higher rate of prolonged urethral catheterization following USLS (0/87) than RSC (6/103) (p = 0.03). Robotic sacrocolpopexy was associated with less immediate postoperative pain and opioid use compared to uterosacral ligament vaginal suspension.

A live porcine model for robotic sacrocolpopexy training.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Robotic sacrocolpopexy is an effective and durable technique for pelvic organ prolapse repair. However, the learning curve for this procedure has underscored the need for an effective surgical training module. Given the cost, infection risk, poor tissue compliance, and scarcity of human cadavers, the live porcine model represents a realistic, available, and cost-effective alternative. This article describes a live porcine model for teaching robotic sacrocolpopexy to determine whether it teaches key aspects of live human robotic sacrocolpopexy to the learner. METHODS: This robotic sacrocolpopexy model was created using the Da Vinci Xi or Si robotic system on domestic pigs under general anesthesia. The main steps of the model include: (1) creating the porcine "cervix" and (2) performing robotic sacrocolpopexy. The model was evaluated with a survey given to 18 board-certified surgeons who attended the training course between December 2016 and April 2018. RESULTS: All of the participants reported improvements in their economy of motion, tissue handling ability, suturing efficiency, and overall performance of robotic sacrocolpopexy. Furthermore, a majority of participants were likely to incorporate aspects of the model into their practice (88.8%) and recommend the model to colleagues (94.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The porcine model provides a feasible tool for teaching robotic sacrocolpopexy to physicians.

Surgical Outcomes and Safety of Robotic Sacrocolpopexy in Women With Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the surgical outcomes and safety of robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) in patients with uterine/vaginal vault prolapse. METHODS: Between January 2009 and June 2015, 16 women with apical prolapse underwent RSC. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) examination was performed, and treatment success was defined as the presence of grade 0 or I apical prolapse upon POP-Q examination at the final follow-up. Pelvic floor distress inventory-short form 20 (PFDI-SF 20) was administered at every follow-up. A treatment satisfaction questionnaire was administered by telephone to evaluate patient satisfaction with the operation. RESULTS: Median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56-68 years), and follow-up duration was 25.3 months (IQR, 5.4-34.0 months). Thirteen women (81.3%) had ≥grade III apical prolapse. Operation time was 251 minutes (IQR, 236-288 minutes), and blood loss was 75 mL (IQR, 50-150 mL). Median hospital stay was 4 days (IQR, 3-5 days). At the final follow-up, treatment success was reported in all patients, who presented grade 0 (n=8, 57.1%) and grade I (n=6, 42.9%) apical prolapse. Dramatic improvements in PFDI-SF 20 scores were noted after RSC (from 39 to 4; P=0.001). Most patients (12 of 13) were satisfied with RSC. An intraoperative complication (sacral venous plexus injury) was reported in 1 patient, and there was no conversion to open surgery. Mesh erosion was not reported. CONCLUSIONS: RSC is an efficient and safe surgical option for apical prolapse repair. Most patients were satisfied with RSC. Thus, RSC might be one of the best treatment options for apical prolapse in women.

Surgical Outcomes and Safety of Robotic Sacrocolpopexy in Women With Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the surgical outcomes and safety of robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) in patients with uterine/vaginal vault prolapse. METHODS: Between January 2009 and June 2015, 16 women with apical prolapse underwent RSC. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) examination was performed, and treatment success was defined as the presence of grade 0 or I apical prolapse upon POP-Q examination at the final follow-up. Pelvic floor distress inventory-short form 20 (PFDI-SF 20) was administered at every follow-up. A treatment satisfaction questionnaire was administered by telephone to evaluate patient satisfaction with the operation. RESULTS: Median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56–68 years), and follow-up duration was 25.3 months (IQR, 5.4–34.0 months). Thirteen women (81.3%) had ≥grade III apical prolapse. Operation time was 251 minutes (IQR, 236–288 minutes), and blood loss was 75 mL (IQR, 50–150 mL). Median hospital stay was 4 days (IQR, 3–5 days). At the final follow-up, treatment success was reported in all patients, who presented grade 0 (n=8, 57.1%) and grade I (n=6, 42.9%) apical prolapse. Dramatic improvements in PFDI-SF 20 scores were noted after RSC (from 39 to 4; P=0.001). Most patients (12 of 13) were satisfied with RSC. An intraoperative complication (sacral venous plexus injury) was reported in 1 patient, and there was no conversion to open surgery. Mesh erosion was not reported. CONCLUSIONS: RSC is an efficient and safe surgical option for apical prolapse repair. Most patients were satisfied with RSC. Thus, RSC might be one of the best treatment options for apical prolapse in women.

The effect of surgical start time in patients undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to determine if the surgical start time affects operating room time and the incidence of perioperative adverse events in patients undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of 396 women who underwent laparoscopic and robotic sacrocolpopexy at a tertiary care center between January 2006 and December 2012. Cases were divided into those with a first, second or third start time. Operating room (OR) time was defined as time the patient entered the room to time out of the room (minutes) and the case time was defined as the period between incision and closure (minutes). Adverse events were defined a priori and also reported using the Clavien-Dindo grading scale. Logistic regression analysis was performed for categorical variables and multiple linear regression analysis for continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 145 robotic and 261 conventional laparoscopic minimally invasive sacrocolpopexies were performed. Operating room time data were available for 396 cases. Of the cases, 63.9 % (253 out of 396) had a first start, 32.1 % (127 out of 396) had a second start, and 4 % (16 out of 396) had a third start. Robotic and concomitant rectopexy cases were more likely to be performed as first-start cases and operating room time and case time were longest for first-start cases. However, after adjusting for mode of surgery, concomitant procedures, previous surgeries, BMI, and age, this finding was no longer statistically significant. There was no difference in the rate of perioperative adverse events among first-, and second-/third-start cases. CONCLUSION: Surgical case start time does not appear to be associated with operating time or the incidence of perioperative adverse events in patients undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.

Genetic Mutation that May Contribute to Failure of Prolapse Surgery in White Women: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify a potential genetic basis for early failure after prolapse surgery. DESIGN: Case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II). SETTING: This study was carried out in 1 academic community medical center referral practice, and all patients had surgery at 1 of 2 hospitals. PATIENTS: Ten women with early, multicompartment prolapse recurrence after robotic sacrocolpopexy compared with 40 control subjects with known success after the same procedure. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated with robotic sacrocolpopexy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: DNA was isolated and initially genotyped on a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to direct more detailed exome analyses. Exome sequences were mapped to the Human Genome Reference Sequence (GRCh37), and variants were compared between groups and to participants in the 1000 Genomes Project. Statistical analyses were performed using a software package commonly used in genetics research. TaqMan assay was used for verification, and p values were adjusted using the false discovery rate. Demographics of groups were compared using χ(2), Mann-Whitney U, and t tests. A SNP [rs171821] located near the ZFYVE16 gene was associated with patients but not control subjects, and the false discovery rate-adjusted p value was .046 (odds ratio, 45.2; 95% confidence interval, 5.06-403). Exome analyses of this gene yielded another SNP [rs249038 (G/A)] in 6 of 10 patients and none of the control subjects (p = .02). This SNP causes a heterozygous missense mutation of glycine to serine predicted to be deleterious by the Protein Variation Effect Analyzer and was also very rare among participants in the 1000 Genomes Project (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Two SNPs located near the ZFYVE16 gene on chromosome 5 may have played a role in the early, multicompartment sacrocolpopexy failure experienced by our patients. (www.clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01614587).

The 26-Minute Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy: Do We Really Need Robotic Technology?

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the technical steps of a laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC), demonstrate the efficiency of LSC, review the comparative LSC and robotic-assisted sacral colpopexy (RSC) literature, and challenge surgeons' conventional wisdom regarding RSC. DESIGN: Use of a time-stamped video with a step-by-step explanation of the technique and slides of comparative trials and benefits of robotic surgery. SETTING: Sacral colpopexy remains the gold standard surgical procedure for treating vaginal vault prolapse. It can be performed via laparotomy, laparoscopically with or without robotic assistance. Robotic technology has been marketed based on unsubstantiated claims, including better visualization, smaller incisions, less blood loss, and greater efficiency. Conventional wisdom suggests that robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is easier and thus faster for the practicing surgeon. INTERVENTION: A time-stamped video of LSC in a woman with vaginal vault prolapse was performed in 26 minutes using 14 sutures in the vagina and 2 sutures in the presacral ligament. The stopwatch began after placement of the scope in the abdomen and before placement of the 3 accessory posts and ended with peritoneal closure over the sacral colpopexy mesh. The patient signed a consent and release form for the use of her video for educational purposes. CONCLUSION: A review of the literature suggests that the average RSC takes 260 minutes; the average is 200 minutes with the conventional LSC technique, realizing a time savings of at least 60 minutes. Our 26-minute LSC supports this finding.

Short-term results of robotic sacrocolpopexy using the Quill SRS bi-directional polydioxanone (PDO) suture.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the short-term success of robotic sacrocolpopexy using the Quill bi-directional polydioxanone (PDO) suture. This was a retrospective observation study of women undergoing robotic sacrocolpopexy performed by a single surgeon between May 2008 and August 2010. Pelvic organ prolapse was determined using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification scale (POP-Q). Baseline exam were performed preoperatively and scheduled at 6 weeks, 3 months, and yearly thereafter. Treatment success defined as a POP-Q measurement of point C that did not descend for more than one-half the total vaginal length and a measurement for point Ba that was less than -1. A total of 36 patients were eligible for enrolment in the study. The mean age was 70 years (range 49-86 years), and mean body mass index was 27 kg/m(2) (range 19-41 kg/m(2)). The mean interval follow-up was 166 days (median 116; range 34-772 days). Anatomic success was 92% (33/36). In the short term, the Quill SRS PDO suture provided sufficient fixation of an Amid type I polypropylene mesh to the vagina to result in excellent anatomic success with only rare complications.

Robotic sacrocolpopexy: an observational experience at mayoclinic, USA.

Although there are many studies the ongoing debate on the management of posthysterectomy vault prolapse whether it should be abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic still continues. However there is no clear consensus. Though the incidence of vaginal vault prolapse is said to range from 0.2 to 45%, the choice of the optimal treatment depends on the surgeon's experience, suitability for surgery, age, symptoms, quality of life impairment, and prolapse grade. Abdominal sacrocopopexy (ASCP) with mesh interposition is the traditional surgical procedure for treating pelvic organ prolapse and has been shown to have one of the highest long-term success rates for vaginal vault prolapse. The laparoscopic approach offers reduced morbidity, shorter hospitalization, and decreased post operative pain. The disadvantages of the laparoscopic approach include longer operating time and need for advanced laparoscopic surgical skills including suturing. Robot-assisted laparoscopic procedure allows the performance of complex laparoscopic maneuvers with less difficulty, and thereby simplifies the complex procedure. The aim is to describe and demonstrate the use and benefit of robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in the treatment of posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse in obese patients along with mid-urethral sling application.