New Mayo Clinic research has found that robotic surgery for vaginal prolapse dramatically reduces patient hospital stay and recovery time. These findings are being presented this week at the North Central Section of the American Urological Association in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Vaginal prolapse is a condition in which structures such as the uterus, rectum, bladder, urethra, small bowel, or the vagina itself may begin to prolapse, or fall, from their normal positions. Without treatment or surgery, these structures may eventually prolapse farther into the vagina or even through the vaginal opening if their supports weaken enough.
“Vaginal prolapse is a common, yet distressing physical and cosmetic condition that 10–15 percent of women will suffer in their lifetimes,” says Daniel Elliott, M.D., Mayo Clinic urologist and senior author on the study. “Robotic sacrocolpopexy surgery appears to offer many new benefits for patients — including decreased hospital stay and quicker recovery. Our study looked at longer-term results post-surgery to find out how patients fared.”
From 2002 to 2008, 48 women with symptomatic high-grade post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy, or vaginal wall repair. Researchers monitored these patients for three years to evaluate the success rate of the procedure. Overall, researchers found better outcomes for robotic sacrocolpopexy patients than traditional surgery, which included: 1) less-invasive, laparoscopic surgery took less time in the operating room; 2) fewer postoperative complications; 3) shorter hospital stay; and 4) faster postoperative recovery and return to work or normal activities.
“Traditional abdominal sacrocolpopexy is a very durable procedure, but recovery is long and sometimes dissuades women from having surgery,” says Dr. Elliott “This new robotic surgery is a major improvement and offers more options for women who want to have their prolapse repaired and are looking for a less-invasive type of procedure.”
Below is a link to an edited youtube video with Dr. Elliot discussing this study
Thanks for the great post. I really like it what i have read so far in your blog
I am going to have a vaginal procedure to correct bladder prolapse. The uterus will be sealed off permanently and is a less invasive surgery. What is your opinion on this type of surgery.
Thank you for your comment, Dolores. Dr. Elliot is away from the clinic for about a week, but we have forwarded your question for his review. As soon as we hear back from him, we will post his reponse. Thanks again!
I also have a question regarding risks/benefits for the robotic repair vs a transvaginal approach. What do you recommend? I am 47. Thank you. I had a robotic hysterectomy when I was 45.