Long-term results of robotic assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of high grade vaginal vault prolapse

Purpose: Transabdominal sacrocolpopexy is a definitive treatment option for vaginal vault prolapse with durable success rates. However, it is associated with increased morbidity compared with vaginal repairs. We describe a minimally invasive technique of vaginal vault prolapse repair and present our experience with a minimum of 1 year followup. Materials and Methods: The surgical technique involves 5 laparoscopic ports: 3 for the da Vinci (R) robot and 2 for the assistant. A polypropylene mesh is attached to the sacral promontory and vaginal apex using polytetrafluoroethylene sutures. The mesh material is then covered by peritoneum. Patient analysis focused on complications, urinary continence, patient satisfaction and morbidity with a minimum of 12 months followup. Results: A total of 30 patients with post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy at our institution and 21 have a minimum of 12 months followup. Mean followup was 24 months (range 12 to 36) and mean age was 67 years (range 47 to 83). Mean operative time was 3.1 hours (range 2.15 to 4.75). All but 1 patient were discharged home on postoperative day 1 and the 1 patient left on postoperative day 2. Recurrent grade 3 rectocele developed in 1 patient, I had recurrent vault prolapse and 2 had vaginal extrusion of mesh. All patients were satisfied with outcome. Conclusions: The robotic assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is a minimally invasive technique for vaginal vault prolapse repair, combining the advantages of open sacrocolpopexy with the decreased morbidity of laparoscopy. We found a decreased hospital stay, low complication rates and high patient satisfaction with a minimum of 1 year followup.