First report comparing the two types of single-incision robotic sacrocolpopexy: Single site using the da Vinci Xi or Si system and single port using the da Vinci SP system

Single-Port Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: Description of an Advanced Minimally Invasive Approach and Review of the Relevant Literature

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Sacrocolpopexy is the gold standard for the surgical management of apical prolapse. Over the years, surgical advancements have transformed the procedure from a laparotomy with a hospital stay of several days to a minimally invasive approach with a much shorter hospital stay. One recent innovation has the potential to transform minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.

METHODS

The da Vinci single-port robotic platform has allowed urological procedures to generate improved recovery, pain control, and cosmesis, with no differences in complications rates.

RESULTS

Although the data with respect to sacrocolpopexy are more limited owing to the novelty of this application, the results appear to be similar to those of urological procedures such as prostatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

We present our surgical technique for completing single-port robotic sacrocolpopexy, with and without a hysterectomy, as well as a review of the relevant literature.

Intraoperative Complications and Perioperative and Surgical Outcomes of Single-Port Robotics-Assisted Sacrocolpopexy

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to assess intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, along with perioperative and surgical outcomes, following single-port robotics-assisted sacrocolpopexy.

METHODS

This retrospective case series included 200 patients who underwent single-port robotics-assisted sacrocolpopexy to treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) stage 2-4 symptomatic prolapse between April 2020 and August 2023 by a single surgeon. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and perioperative outcomes were evaluated for all the patients, whereas surgical outcomes for 74 patients were assessed at 1-year follow-up. Surgical failure was defined as the presence of any of the following: the presence of vaginal bulging symptoms, any prolapse beyond the hymen, or retreatment for prolapse.

RESULTS

During the study period, 200 single-port robotics-assisted sacrocolpopexies were performed. The median age and body mass index were 65.0 years and 24.6 kg/m2 respectively. Most patients had POPQ stage 3 or 4 prolapse and underwent concomitant total hysterectomy. The median total operation time was 212.0 min, and none of the patients required conversion to laparoscopy or laparotomy. The intraoperative cystotomy rate was 2.5%, and one patient had a blood transfusion owing to presacral vessel injury. Postoperative complications of mesh exposure and wound hernia were 0.5% and 2.0% respectively. At 1 year postoperatively, the rate of composite surgical failure was 9.5%, with a 5.4% anatomical recurrence rate. None of the patients experienced apical prolapse recurrence, and one received anterior colporrhaphy for anterior compartment prolapse recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-port robotics-assisted sacrocolpopexy is safe and effective, with low complication rates and favorable perioperative and surgical outcomes.

Short-term outcomes of single port robotic hysterectomy with concomitant sacrocolpopexy

The Da Vinci single port® (SP) robotic platform heralds a new era of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The primary objective of this study was to assess short-term outcomes in patients undergoing SP robotic hysterectomy with concomitant sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We performed a retrospective case series at two tertiary care centers between January 2021 and August 2023. Patients with POP electing to undergo SP robotic hysterectomy with concomitant sacrocolpopexy were included. Chart abstraction was used to collect patient demographics and clinical outcomes. Recurrent POP was defined as new bothersome vaginal bulge symptoms and evidence of POP beyond the hymen on postoperative examination. 69 patients were included. Median operative time was 209 min (135-312) and estimated blood loss was 100 mL (20-2000). 1 (1.4%) patient sustained a major vascular injury resulting in laparotomy. Median pain score and morphine equivalents administered in PACU were low at 3 (0-7) and 3.2 (0-27) respectively. At 3 months, 60 (86.9%) patients were seen either in person or via telemedicine for their follow up appointment. 59/60 (98.3%) reported no vaginal bulge symptoms and 50/51 (98.0%) had stage 0 or 1 prolapse on exam. One (1.4%) patient had recurrent prolapse and underwent an additional repair. Postoperative complications included 2 (2.9%) cases of ileus/small bowel obstruction, 1 (1.4%) pelvic hematoma requiring a blood transfusion, and 1 (1.4%) umbilical hernia. The SP robotic platform is a safe and feasible platform for MIS hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy with good short term anatomic and symptomatic outcomes.

Robotic single-port hysterectomy versus robotic multisite hysterectomy in benign gynecologic diseases: A retrospective comparison of clinical and surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare clinical and surgical outcomes of robotic single-port hysterectomy (RSPH) using the da Vinci® SP surgical system and robotic multisite hysterectomy (RMSH) with the da Vinci Xi system in benign gynecologic disease.

METHODS

The retrospective study included 134 patients who underwent RSPH or RMSH between November 2019 and December 2020. Total operation time, amount of blood loss, and the change in hemoglobin (Hb) after surgery and the weight of the removed uteri were also measured. Data on complications such as post-operative fever and length of hospitalization were also compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the total operation time between the two groups, although the operation time was slightly longer in the RSPH group. Results in the RSPH group were superior to the RMSH group in docking time and wound incision time (1.67 ± 0.79 vs. 5.46 ± 2.25 min, p-value <0.01; 6.48 ± 4.29 vs. 9.10 ± 4.64 min, p-value <0.01, respectively). On the other hand, wound suture time took longer in the RSPH group (18.12 ± 5.66 vs. 10.69 ± 3.18 min, p-value <0.01). The weights of the removed specimens were higher in the RMSH group (302.64 ± 190.56 vs. 369.24 ± 181.70 g, p-value <0.04). The amount of blood loss during surgery and the difference in hemoglobin (Hb) before and after surgery were less in the RSPH group (97.39 ± 113.79 vs. 224.93 ± 152.29 mL, p-value <0.01, 1.51 ± 1.08 vs. 2.54 ± 1.08 g/dL, p-value <0.01). When considering the weight difference as a correction between the two surgical groups (because there were many heavier samples in the RMSH group), the blood loss of the RSPH group was also less than that of the RMSH group by 115.95 ± 23.78 mL (p-value <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of our data, the robotic hysterectomy using the da Vinci SP surgical system might be feasible and safe, even if the hysterectomy is complex, and comparable to robotic multisite surgery by the da Vinci Xi system.

Outcomes of robotic sacrocolpopexy

This review aimed to summarize the complications and surgical outcomes of robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy. Nineteen original articles on 1,440 robotic sacrocolpopexies were reviewed, and three systematic reviews and meta-analyses were summarized in terms of intraoperative, perioperative, postoperative, and/or surgical outcomes. Robotic sacrocolpopexy has demonstrated low overall complication rates and favorable surgical outcomes. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up outcomes regarding objective and/or subjective prolapse recurrence, reoperation rates, and mesh-related complications remain unclear. Further research is required to demonstrate whether the robotic approach for sacrocolpopexy is feasible or can become the modality of choice in the future when performing sacrocolpopexy.

Soft tissue surgical robot for minimally invasive surgery: a review

Purpose

The current state of soft tissue surgery robots is surveyed, and the key technologies underlying their success are analyzed. State-of-the-art technologies are introduced, and future directions are discussed.

Methods

Relevant literature is explored, analyzed, and summarized.

Results

Soft tissue surgical robots had rapidly spread in the field of laparoscopic surgery based on the multi-degree-of-freedom movement of intra-abdominal surgical tools and stereoscopic imaging that are not possible in conventional surgery. The three key technologies that have made surgical robots successful are wire-driven mechanisms for multi-degree-of-freedom movement, master devices for intuitive remote control, and stereoscopic imaging technology. Recently, human-robot interaction technologies have been applied to develop user interfaces such as vision assistance and haptic feedback, and research on autonomous surgery has begun.

Conclusion

Robotic surgery not only replaces conventional laparoscopic surgery but also allows for complex surgeries that are not possible with laparoscopic surgery. On the other hand, it is also criticized for its high cost and lack of clinical superiority or patient benefit compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. As various robots compete in the market, the cost of surgical robots is expected to decrease. Surgical robots are expected to continue to evolve in the future due to the need to reduce the workload of medical staff and improve the level of care demanded by patients.

Low Risk of Postoperative Hernia Following Single-port Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Report From the Single-port Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of postoperative hernia following different approaches of single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP).

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent SP-RARP between February 2019 and December 2022. Demographic and clinical information was collected from the multi-institutional, prospectively-maintained Single-Port Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC) database. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Packaging for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0 with descriptive statistics as presented.

RESULTS

A total of 1103 patients were identified, consisting of 244 (22.1%), 712 (64.6%), and 147 (13.3%) cases performed via transperitoneal, extraperitoneal (EP), and transvesical (TV) approaches, respectively. During a median follow-up time of 11 months (interquartile range 5.7-17.1 months), only two cases of incisional hernia were reported. Both cases occurred following transperitoneal SP-RARP with one patient requiring surgical repair. There remains no evidence of postoperative hernia following EP and TV SP-RARP at the completion of our review.

CONCLUSION

SP-RARP was associated with low risk for postoperative hernia. The risk was lower following TV and EP SP-RARP where the peritoneum is preserved.

Single-port robotic surgery using the EDGE SP1000 surgical system in gynaecology: Initial experience of a single institution

BACKGROUND

The EDGE SP1000 is a newly developed single-port (SP) robotic surgical system whose clinical evaluation in gynaecology has not yet been addressed.

METHODS

This is a single-arm clinical trial evaluating the perioperative outcomes of patients receiving EDGE SP1000 assisted surgeries. Patients with either benign or malignant gynaecological diseases suitable for robotic surgery were included, and their data were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were included and 8 of them had malignant conditions. The total operative time was 190.1 ± 83.3 min for benign diseases and 254.4 ± 59.4 min for malignant diseases. The mean estimated blood loss was 25 mL (range, 5-100). No assistant ports or conversions were required. No perioperative complications occurred. Overall satisfaction with the umbilical wounds was expressed at the 1-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

EDGE SP1000 SP robotic surgical system is technically feasible and safe in various gynaecological surgeries with good cosmetic effects.

Learning curves and perioperative outcomes of single-incision robotic sacrocolpopexy on two different da Vinci® surgical systems

This study aimed to report a single surgeon's early experience and learning curves of single-incision robotic sacrocolpopexy on two different robotic surgical platforms, namely, the single-site approach on da Vinci Xi^® and single-port approach on da Vinci SP^® surgical systems. This retrospective study included 123 consecutive cases of robotic sacrocolpopexy performed between June 2017 and June 2021 for the patients with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage 2-4 symptomatic prolapse. First consecutive 57 cases were performed under the da Vinci Xi^® system applying the single-site manner, whereas the following 66 cases were done under the da Vinci SP^® system. The primary outcome was intraoperative and perioperative complication rates, and the secondary outcome was learning curve of single-incision robotic sacrocolpopexy under the two different robotic surgical platforms. Learning curves based on the operation time were obtained through cumulative sum analysis. The mean age of each group was 65.6 ± 8.7 years for single-site robotic sacrocolpopexy and 63.7 ± 7.6 years for the single-port one (p = 0.202). More than 80% of patients for each group had advanced prolapse stages and underwent concomitant total hysterectomy. The overall baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. The median operation time for each group were 201.0 and 201.5 min, respectively. Both groups showed comparable perioperative outcomes in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Intraoperative cystostomy rates were 1.8% and 3.0%, respectively, and revealed no statistical difference (p = 0.736). The learning curves were comparable, and the surgeon required less than 15 cases for both single-site and single-port robotic sacrocolpopexies to stabilize operation time. Comparable learning curves and favorable intraoperative and perioperative outcomes of single-incision robotic sacrocolpopexy using two different robotic surgical systems show that both are feasible options for robotic sacrocolpopexy.

Robotic sacrocolpopexy in pelvic organ prolapse: a review of current literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recently, robotic sacrocolpopexy has become the gold standard for treating genital prolapse. Despite this, there is still much interest in this procedure, and many questions remain unanswered. This review focuses on the most critical articles on this issue that have been published in the last 2 years.

RECENT FINDINGS

A summary of 23 articles is provided. There were no differences in total postoperative complications, postoperative stress incontinence, mesh erosion, and the success of the two surgical techniques in long-term investigations. Obesity modestly increases robotic approach difficulty and does not raise the mesh erosion rate or prolapse recurrence rate. Ultra-light and preprepared meshes with alternative fixation techniques can be applied with these procedures. Another emerging trend is alternative robotic approaches and the use of single-port surgery.

SUMMARY

For women with pelvic organ prolapse, especially the elderly and obese, robotic sacrocolpopexy is well tolerated and effective. Despite highly restricted and heterogeneous data, recent investigations have included single incision methods and new mesh/fixation materials. Randomized trials with large sample size and excellent quality are necessary before the practical implementation of new techniques.

A retrospective multicentre study on the evaluation of perioperative outcomes of single-port robotic cholecystectomy comparing the Xi and SP versions of the da Vinci robotic surgical system

BACKGROUND

Single-incision robotic cholecystectomy (SIRC) is widely performed with both the da Vinci Xi system (Xi) and the da Vinci SP system (SP). But there are limited numbers of studies comparing these platforms.

METHODS

Patients who underwent SIRC between 2019 and 2020 were enrolled. Patient demographics, intraoperative factors, postoperative complications, postoperative pain were compared using a one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

Overall, 258 patients underwent SIRC with Xi and 72 with SP. After PSM, there were significant differences between the Xi and SP in operation time at console and numeric rating scale for postoperative pain, but no difference in total operation time and postoperative complications. The SP group showed more estimated blood loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the statistical difference, clinical benefit was not significant. Both platforms can be safe and feasible to perform SIRC, but further investigation including the surgeon's workload and ergonomics is needed as a prospective study.

Single-Incision vs. Multiport Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: 126 Consecutive Cases at a Single Institution

Robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) has gained popularity as a method for easier intracorporeal suturing than conventional laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. However, few studies have compared multiport RSC (MP-RSC) and single-incision RSC (SI-RSC). We aimed to compare perioperative outcomes between these techniques for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We analyzed 126 patients who underwent RSC for POP quantification (all stage III to IV) between March 2019 and May 2021 at Seoul Asan Medical Center. We prospectively collected operation-related data, including total operation time (OT; from skin incision to closure) and perioperative outcomes. A total of 106 and 20 patients underwent MP-RSC and SI-RSC, respectively. The mean ages were 57.49 ± 10.89 and 56.20 ± 10.30 years in the MP-RSC and SI-RSC groups, respectively. The mean total OT was significantly shorter for MP-RSC than for SI-RSC (105.43 ± 24.03 vs. 121.10 ± 26.28 min). The OT difference was 15.67 min (95% confidence interval, 3.90-25.85, p = 0.009). No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of perioperative variables (estimated blood loss, hospital stay) and postoperative adverse events (POP recurrence, mesh erosion). SI-RSC had comparable intraoperative and postoperative outcomes to MP-RSC, with additional cosmetic benefits. MP-RSC had significantly shorter OT than SI-RSC.

Single-Incision versus Multiport Robotic Myomectomy: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of Surgical Outcomes and Surgical Tips

We aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of single-incision robotic myomectomy (SIRM) and multiport robotic myomectomy (MPRM) and provide surgical tips. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 462 patients with symptomatic leiomyoma who underwent MPRM or SIRM between March 2019 and April 2021. Demographic characteristics and surgical outcomes, including the total operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and surgical complication rate, were compared between the two groups. Patients in the SIRM group had lower a body mass index and rate of previous pelvic surgery and were younger than those in the MPRM group. The myoma type was not different between groups; however, the MPRM group had larger, and more myomas than the SIRM group. After propensity score matching, these variables were not significantly different between the groups. The total OT, EBL, difference in hemoglobin levels, transfusion rate, and postoperative fever were not different between the groups. No postoperative complications occurred in the SIRM group. In the MPRM group, one patient needed conversion to laparotomy, and two patients had postoperative complications (umbilical incisional hernia and acute kidney injury). In conclusion, both MPRM and SIRM are feasible and effective surgical options for symptomatic myomas with cosmetic benefits and minimal risk of laparotomy conversion.

Congenital Uterine Anomaly and Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Rare Case of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in a Complete Bicornuate Uterus with Successful Pregnancy Outcomes Undiagnosed until the Time of Sacrocolpopexy

Müllerian development anomalies (MDAs) are most commonly diagnosed in the reproductive period. A bicornuate uterus is the result of a fusion defect of the Müllerian ducts, causing an abnormal fundal outline. Most of the cases are diagnosed early in life and present with obstetrical complications, such as recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption, and cervical incompetence. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women with MDAs has been reported; however, all reported cases were when MDAs are diagnosed before or simultaneously with the development of POP in premenopausal young women aged < 35. A 52-year-old menopausal woman, who successfully delivered vaginally at term, was presented with protruding mass through vaginal introitus. On POP-Q examination, the cervix was elongated and descended to 1 cm out of the hymen during bearing down; however, the uterine bodies were confined in the pelvic cavity, which is commonly encountered among POP patients with large uterus due to uterine fibroids or adenomyosis. She also diagnosed for complete bicornuate uterus and underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy for advanced stage POP. It is presumed to have been caused by the bicornuate uterus that prevented the total uterine prolapse with the effect of extending both uterine horns bilaterally inside the pelvic cavity and trapping the uterus within the pelvis. Herein, we report a rare case of complete bicornuate uterus with multiple successful vaginal deliveries at term without obstetric complications, which remained undiagnosed until she was managed for the POP in her postmenopausal period.

New "Wrinkle Method" for Intracorporeal Anterior Vaginal Wall Plication during Sacrocolpopexy

In this study, we introduce a new wrinkle method for intracorporeal anterior vaginal wall plication during sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) aiming to decrease POP recurrence and postoperative vaginal wall mesh erosion. The wrinkle method was performed using robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) on 57 symptomatic POP patients. Sixty-six patients underwent conventional RSC before the development of the wrinkle method. Feasibility and perioperative outcomes were compared. The wrinkle method is not time consuming. The total operative time was shorter in the wrinkle group than in the non-wrinkle group; however, this was attributed to lower adhesiolysis in the wrinkle group. No differences were recorded in the mean estimated blood loss and complication rates between the two groups. In conclusion, although we were unable to confirm that the wrinkle method decreased POP recurrence and vaginal wall mesh erosion after RSC because of the short follow-up period, our preliminary findings are positive in terms of safety. Further long-term well designed randomized controlled trials are required to elucidate the benefits of the wrinkle method.