Robotic sacrocolpopexy versus vaginal colpopexy with mesh: choosing the right surgery for anterior and apical prolapse

Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2010 Mar;16(2):121-7. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0b013e3181d690f3.

Abstract

Objectives: : To describe patients' characteristics and anatomic outcome of robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) and vaginal mesh colpopexy (VMC).

Methods: : Retrospective cohort study involving RSC (n = 17) and VMC (n = 37) procedures performed over an 18 month period in a teaching hospital. The primary outcome was 1 year anatomic cure at the apex and anterior wall. Descriptive and univariate analyses were used to determine statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Results: : VMC subjects were more likely to be older, menopausal, and had increased BMI and more severe prolapse than the RSC group. At a mean follow-up of 13 and 12.3 months for the VMC and RSC, respectively, both groups showed significant improvement of prolapse (P < 0.001) with a cure rate of 94.1% for RSC and 70.2% for VMC (P = 0.07). Total vaginal length was significantly shorter after VMC. RSC had longer operative time and hospital stay, but lower blood loss. Complication rates were similar among the groups.

Conclusions: : RSC and VMC are being offered to different patient populations. These minimally invasive prolapse repair procedures have comparable results with a trend toward higher cure rate in RSC and similar complications rate.