Our Summary

This study compared the use of robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and traditional open surgery to treat severe rectal prolapse, a condition where the rectum slides out of its normal place within the body and sticks out of the anus.

The study involved 61 patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in China from 2014 to 2018. They were divided into three groups based on the type of surgery they chose: robotic (20 patients), laparoscopic (20 patients), and open surgery (21 patients).

The researchers measured several factors for each patient, including the time of the operation, blood loss during surgery, time to first ambulation (walking), time to first passing of gas, and length of hospital stay. They also assessed the patients’ urinary and sexual function before and after the operation using various scoring systems.

The results showed that all three types of surgery were effective, but patients who underwent robotic surgery had less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery rates. Notably, the robotic surgery group also had better postoperative urinary and sexual function scores compared to the other two groups.

In summary, the research suggests that robotic surgery is a safe and effective treatment for severe rectal prolapse and may be more beneficial than laparoscopic or open surgery in terms of preserving urinary and sexual function.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgeries were compared in the study for treating severe rectal prolapse?
  2. What benefits did robotic surgery have over laparoscopic and traditional open surgery according to the study?
  3. How did the different types of surgery affect patients’ urinary and sexual function post-surgery, based on the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about rectal prolapse surgery is to consider robotic surgery as it may offer faster recovery, less blood loss, and potentially better preservation of urinary and sexual function compared to traditional laparoscopic or open surgery. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor and choose the best approach for your individual needs and goals.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended for rectal prolapse surgery typically have severe symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life, such as difficulty controlling bowel movements, chronic constipation, and a protruding rectum. These patients may have tried other non-surgical treatments without success, such as pelvic floor exercises or medication.

Additionally, patients who are otherwise healthy and able to tolerate surgery are good candidates for rectal prolapse surgery. Patients with certain medical conditions that may increase the risk of surgery, such as heart disease or severe respiratory issues, may not be recommended for surgery or may require additional preoperative evaluation and management.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo rectal prolapse surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can assess the individual patient’s specific situation and determine the most appropriate treatment option.

Timeline

Before rectal prolapse surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty with bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, rectal bleeding, and the protrusion of the rectum through the anus. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as a physical examination, colonoscopy, and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis.

After rectal prolapse surgery, the patient will typically experience some pain and discomfort at the incision site, which can be managed with pain medication. They may also have restrictions on physical activity and diet for a period of time to allow for proper healing. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any concerns or complications that may arise. With proper care and adherence to postoperative instructions, most patients can expect a successful recovery and resolution of their rectal prolapse symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about rectal prolapse surgery include:

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgery for rectal prolapse?
  2. How long does each type of surgery typically take to perform?
  3. How much blood loss can I expect during surgery with each approach?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and time to resume normal activities for each type of surgery?
  5. What are the potential effects on urinary and sexual function after each type of surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgery for rectal prolapse?
  7. Are there any specific factors that would make one type of surgery more suitable for me than the others?
  8. What follow-up care will be needed after surgery, and how will my progress be monitored?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options for rectal prolapse that I should consider?
  10. Can you provide me with information about the success rates and long-term outcomes for each type of surgery?

Reference

Authors: Li Z, Wang SH, Li GB, Lian YG, Gu XM, Xia KK, Yuan WT. Journal: Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2020 Dec 25;23(12):1187-1193. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn.441530-20200105-00007. PMID: 33353275