Robotic sacrocolpopexy for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse: a case series of 31 patients by a single surgeon with a long term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the feasibility, short-term complications of robotic surgery and clinical outcomes in terms of long-term complications, pain relief and recurrence rate, for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse (VVP). METHODS: Prospective analysis of robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RALS) performed between October 2011 and February 2015, in patients with advanced post-hysterectomy VVP and significant apical defects as defined by Baden- Walker Score ≥3. RESULTS: Thirty-one consecutive of RALS were performed, with a mean follow-up of 27 months (range 2-48). Average total operative time was 185 minutes (range: 170-235). Estimated blood loss was 50 ml (range: 30-150). One case of cystotomy was reported, repaired with a 2.0 point. No others intra-operative complications occurred. Successful outcome was reported in 94% (29/31) of VVP repairs. CONCLUSIONS: This series demonstrates optimal outcomes at long-term follow-up. RALS may provide the same long-term durability of open sacrocolpopexy with the benefit of a minimally invasive approach.