Long-term follow-up and quality of life after robot assisted sacrohysteropexy

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of robot assisted laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy (RALS), with preservation of the uterus, in patients with pelvic organ prolapse on short and long term outcome. We report on (anatomical) status of the prolaps and the associated health related quality of life of women treated with RALS before and five years after surgery.Study designA prospective cohort study in a teaching hospital in The Netherlands was performed. Quality of life was assessed pre-operative, post-operative and five years after RALS using the UDI/IIQ validated self-questionnaire designed for Dutch-speaking patients. Clinical and operative data were prospectively collected up to five years. Statistical analysis of categorical data was performed with the paired T-test. Descriptive statistics were computed with the use of standard methods for means, median and proportions.ResultsHundred women with utero vaginal prolapse were treated with RALS with preservation of the uterus. The overall success rate of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was 89.2%. After surgery the quality of life improved (P < 0.05) Overall health status, based on a 0-100% visual analogue scale (VAS), improved from 72.6% pre-operative to 82.2% six weeks postoperative (P < 0.05). Postoperative patients experienced less feelings of nervousness (P = 0.01), shame (P < 0.05) and frustration (P < 0.05). The positive effects on these feelings remained present after five years. The learning curve shows a decrease in operating time with gained experience.ConclusionRALS has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for uterine preserving surgery in cases of pelvic organ prolapse. The long term anatomical outcomes and quality of life after RALS compare favorably with laparoscopic and open hysteropexy.