[Preliminary study on the feasibility of robot-assisted double mesh sacrocolpopexy in comparison to the laparoscopic approach]

Objectives: The aim of our study was to demonstrate the feasibility of the laparoscopic robot-assisted anterior and posterior mesh sacrocolpopexy compared to the laparoscopic approach.

Materials and methods: Between November 2009 and August 2011, 36 women underwent sacrocolpopexy with anterior and posterior mesh, 16 by a robot-assisted approach and 20 by laparoscopy. The cases were systematically evaluated at 1 and 12 months postoperatively. All cases were contacted 6 months later to evaluate the functional results.

Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of age, ASA score, Body Mass Index, surgical history and grades of pelvic organ prolapse preoperatively. There was no difference in terms of hospital stay, per- and postoperative complications, especially concerning the rate of postoperative constipation. The mean operating time was significantly more important in the Robot group (P=0.001) with 318 min for the Robot group versus 260 min for the laparoscopic group. With a mean follow-up of 12 months, the anatomic result was satisfactory without recurrence in 97.2% of the cases. The urinary and sexual results, the restart of a sexual activity postoperatively, the surgical satisfaction and the return to daily activities were comparable between both groups.

Conclusion: Robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy seems to be a reliable technique with morbidity, anatomic and functional outcomes comparable to that of laparoscopy.