Introduction: Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) is a complex surgical condition which involves structural and functional problems which significantly affects quality of life. There is limited information about the Da-Vinci Robotic System use in the treatment of this condition. This study examines the outcomes of robotic-assisted rectopexy. The primary outcome is recovery from surgery, with secondary outcomes including post-surgical complications, length of hospital stay, rehospitalization rate and recurrence after surgery.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of prospectively collected data for patients who underwent robotic assisted surgery for ODS between 2011-2022. A colorectal surgeon performed all surgeries at the Sheba Medical Center using the Da Vinci™ robotic system. This analysis uses descriptive statistics and presents the results as medians and ranges.
Results: Out of 33 patients included, 26 (84.9%) were female. Median age was 67 years (Range:19-85 years). Median American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score was 2 (1-3). Median Charlson's comorbidity score was 3 (0-4). Median patients' Body Mass Index (BMI) was 23.2 (15.6-33.4) kg/m2. Eight patients (24.4%) underwent previous procedure for ODS. Most (23) patients included (69.7%) underwent robotic assisted ventral rectopexy. Other interventions included combined anterior and posterior rectopexy (9.1%), combined ventral rectopexy and sacrocolpopexy (12.1%) and posterior rectopexy (9.1%). No cases of conversion to laparoscopic /open techniques were recorded. Median operation time was 135 minutes (70-270). One intra-operative complication recorded was an injury to the rectum during anterior dissection (3%). No significant blood loss was recorded. A total of 27 patients (81.8%) were operated using the Da Vinci Si system, and the rest (6) using the 6 Da Vinci Xi system. Two patients had post-operative complications. Median length of stay (LOS) was 4 days (2-6 days). Readmission rate within 30 days was 9.1%. Two patients (6.1%) had recurrence of rectal prolapse. Median follow-up was 60 (4-116) months.
Conclusions: Robotic-assisted surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome is safe, with fast recovery of the patient and it is efficient during long-term follow-up.