Long-term outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy for rectal prolapse.

Background: Robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy for total rectal prolapse is safe and feasible. Small series proved clinical and functional short-term results comparable with conventional laparoscopy. No long-term results have been reported yet.

Objective: The primary objective of the study was to evaluate long-term functional and anatomic results of robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy. The secondary objective was to evaluate the learning curve of this procedure.

Design: Monocentric study data, both preoperative and perioperative, were collected prospectively, and follow-up data were assessed by a telephone questionnaire.

Settings: The study was performed in an academic center by 3 different surgeons.

Patients: We evaluated all of the consecutive patients who underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy between June 2002 and August 2010.

Intervention: Rectopexy was performed with 2 anterolateral meshes or with 1 ventral mesh, and in 9 patients a sigmoidectomy was associated with rectopexy.

Main Outcome Measures: The actuarial recurrence rate was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: During the study period, 77 patients underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy, and the mean age was 59.9 years (range, 23-90 y). Average operating time was 223 minutes (range, 100-390 min); the learning curve was completed after 18 patients were seen. Two patients died of causes unrelated to surgery at 5 and 24 months. There were 5 conversions (6%) to open procedure. Overall morbidity was low and concerned only 8 patients (10.4%). Mean follow-up time was 52.5 months (range, 12-115 mo). Recurrences have been observed in 9 patients (12.8%). Preoperatively, 24 (34%) of the patients had constipation. Postoperatively, constipation disappeared for 12 (50%) of 24 and constipation appeared for 11 (24%) of 46 patients. Fecal incontinence decreased after surgery from Wexner score 10.5 to 5.1 of 20.

Limitations: There was a lack of standardization of the surgical procedure. The study was monocentric. Seven patients (9%) were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions: Long-term results of robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy are satisfying. Further studies comparing robot-assisted and conventional laparoscopy, including cost-effectiveness, are needed.