Day case robotic ventral rectopexy compared with day case laparoscopic ventral rectopexy: a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Robotics

Background:

• Ventral rectopexy is a key surgical treatment for rectal prolapse and enterocele.
• Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy offers potential for same-day discharge.
• Robotic assistance in ventral rectopexy is explored for patient benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness of day case robotic ventral rectopexy.
• To compare robotic ventral rectopexy with conventional laparoscopic ventral rectopexy.
• To evaluate outcomes for patients undergoing same-day discharge procedures.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case-controlled study comparing robotic and laparoscopic ventral rectopexy.
• 20 patients with rectal prolapse or enterocele underwent day case surgery.
• Patients were selected based on fitness, motivation, and social circumstances.

Main Results:

• Demographics and technical outcomes were comparable between robotic and laparoscopic groups.
• Robotic rectopexy patients reported significantly less pain (p=0.045).
• Robotic procedures had longer operative times (94 vs 52.5 min) and higher costs (9088 vs 3729 euros).

Conclusions:

• Day case robotic ventral rectopexy is feasible and safe for selected patients.
• Robotic approach offers pain reduction but at the expense of increased operative time and cost.
• Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy remains a more cost-effective option for day case procedures.