Objective: This study aimed to determine bowel function changes 12 months after robotic sacrocolpopexy.
Methods: We performed a single-center prospective cohort study evaluating bowel function 12 months after robotic sacrocolpopexy between 2007 and 2011. Bowel function symptoms were measured by the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory, Short Form 8 (CRADI-8). Specific impacts on quality of life with regard to bowel function were evaluated using the Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire, Short Form 7 (CRAIQ-7). "Splinting to defecate" was defined as any positive response to question 4 of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 which reads, "do you ever have to push on the vagina or around the rectum to have or complete a bowel movement?." Lastly, patients were grouped according to perineorrhaphy versus no perineorrhaphy and bowel function scores were examined.
Results: Of 423 consecutive patients who underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy at our institution, 393 (93%) completed a 12-month follow-up. Mean CRADI-8 scores at baseline and 12 months were 21.1 (20) and 7.3 (11), respectively (P < 0.0001). Mean CRAIQ-7 scores at baseline and 12 months were 11.1 (20) and 2.4 (9), respectively (P < 0.0001). Preoperatively, 152 patients reported a need to splint the vagina or perineum to complete a bowel movement. At 12 months, 70% reported complete resolution of "splinting." Con comitant perineorrhaphy was performed on 87 patients and there were no differences in 12-month CRADI-8 or CRAIQ-7 scores between groups.
Conclusions: Robotic sacrocolpopexy was associated with significant improvements in bowel function as measured by CRADI-8 as well as improvements in impact on quality of life as measured by CRAIQ-7.