All You Need to Know About Robotic Prolapse Surgeries: A Patient's Guide

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that many women face, especially as they age or after traumatic childbirth. It occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken, causing one or more organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, to drop into the vaginal canal. If you’ve been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse and are considering surgery, you might have heard about robotic prolapse surgery as an option. This blog aims to guide you through everything you need to know about this advanced surgical approach from a patient’s perspective.

What is Robotic Prolapse Surgery?

Robotic prolapse surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair pelvic organ prolapse. This surgery is performed using the Da Vinci robotic system, which allows surgeons to operate with enhanced precision and control. The robotic system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body.

There are various types of prolapse surgeries, and the specific one you may need depends on the organs involved and the severity of the prolapse. Common robotic prolapse surgeries include:

·Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: This procedure involves attaching a mesh to support the pelvic organs that have prolapsed. The mesh is then secured to the sacrum (the lower part of your spine) to keep the organs in place.

·Robotic Colpopectopexy: Here the mesh supports the prolapsed pelvic organs to pectineal ligament (on the pelvic bone)

·Benefits of Robotic Prolapse Surgery:

One of the key reasons patients opt for robotic surgery is the array of benefits it offers compared to traditional open or laparoscopic surgery. These benefits include:

1.Minimally Invasive: The robotic system allows for smaller incisions, usually about the size of a dime. Smaller incisions mean less pain, reduced blood loss, and a lower risk of infection.

2.Less blood loss : The robotic instruments provide the surgeon with a greater range of motion and precision than human hands can achieve. This is particularly beneficial when working in the confined spaces of the pelvic region. This leads to blood loss being significantly lesser than traditional approach .

3.Less pain : Patients who undergo robotic surgery often experience a quicker recovery and can return to normal activities sooner than those who have traditional surgery. Hospital stays are generally shorter as well.

4.Lower Risk of Complications: The precision of robotic surgery minimizes the risk of complications, such as damage to surrounding tissues and organs.

5.Better Outcomes: Studies have shown that patients who undergo robotic prolapse surgery often experience better long-term outcomes, including a lower chance of prolapse recurrence.

What to Expect During the Procedure:

Before the surgery, you’ll have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your specific condition, surgical options, and what to expect. During the procedure:

·Anesthesia: You will be under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep and won’t feel any pain during the surgery.

·Surgical Process: The surgeon will make a few small incisions in your abdomen. Through these incisions, the robotic instruments and a camera are inserted. The surgeon will then proceed with the necessary repairs, such as attaching mesh to support the prolapsed organs.

·Duration: The procedure usually takes a few hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Recovery After Robotic Prolapse Surgery:

Recovery from robotic prolapse surgery is generally faster and smoother than traditional surgery. Here’s what you can expect:

·Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two days following the surgery.

·Pain Management: You may experience minimal discomfort or pain at the incision sites, but this is typically manageable with pain medications prescribed by your doctor.

·Activity Restrictions: You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and sexual activity for 6 weeks to allow your body to heal properly.

·Follow-Up: Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and ensure that the surgery was successful.

Risks and Considerations:

As with any surgery, robotic prolapse surgery carries some risks, although they are generally low. Potential risks include:

·Infection: Although rare, infections at the incision sites or within the pelvic region can occur.

·Bleeding: Minimal blood loss is expected, but significant bleeding is uncommon.

·Recurrence of Prolapse: While robotic surgery has a high success rate, there is still a small chance that the prolapse could recur.

It’s important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about these risks and any concerns you may have before deciding on surgery.

Is Robotic Prolapse Surgery Right for You?

Robotic prolapse surgery is an excellent option for many women, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Your surgeon will evaluate factors such as your overall health, the severity of your prolapse, and your personal preferences before recommending the best treatment plan.