Is robotic‐assisted ventral mesh rectopexy superior to laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy in the management of obstructed defaecation?

Abstract

Although not a randomized comparison, this study shows that ventral mesh rectopexy performed by the robot was followed by better function then LVMR.

Robot‐assisted vs laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for external or internal rectal prolapse and enterocele: a randomized controlled trial

“…Current evidence on the benefits of RVMR is provided by small nonrandomized, comparative studies [9,[13][14][15][16][17] and a recent meta-analysis did not show any difference in recurrence or function [18]. The drawbacks of robotic use include longer operating time and increased costs compared with laparoscopy [9,13,14,17]. The potential benefits of RVMR over LVMR in restoring the anatomy have been assessed in this prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial.…”

“…Robot-assisted technology (robot-assisted ventral mesh rectopexy, RVMR) is an alternative to conventional laparoscopy in rectopexy due to its technical advantages for the surgeon and potential benefits to the patient [9][10][11][12][13]. Current evidence on the benefits of RVMR is provided by small nonrandomized, comparative studies [9,[13][14][15][16][17] and a recent meta-analysis did not show any difference in recurrence or function [18]. The drawbacks of robotic use include longer operating time and increased costs compared with laparoscopy [9,13,14,17].…”

Anatomical and functional changes to the pelvic floor after robotic versus laparoscopic ventral rectopexy: a randomised study

“…A robot-assisted technique also offers an alternative to conventional laparoscopy in rectopexy operations, with its acknowledged technical advantages for the surgeon and potential benefits to the patient [12][13][14][15]. We hypothesised that robot assistance could add benefit to laparoscopy in VMR for posterior PFD and thereby lead to a better function and anatomical outcome and less recurrences in the long term.…”

Robotic Colorectal Surgery

“…There is limited literature on robotic rectopexy for rectal prolapse. Several studies reported significantly longer operative times for robotic rectopexy as compared with laparoscopic rectopexy [42,53,54]. Mean operative time ranged from 152 to 221 minutes as compared with a range of 113 to 163 minutes, respectively.…”

“…It is highly unlikely the functional results of robotic rectopexy are any different from the laparoscopic counterpart [57]. Although earlier reports showed similar functional outcomes [42,58], more recent studies claim significantly improved obstructed defecation scores, improved digitation, and straining following robotic rectopexy [54]. In terms of recurrence rates after surgery, one study reported significantly higher rates 2 years after robotic rectopexy [58].…”