Our Summary

This research paper looks at a surgical procedure called robotic rectopexy, which is used to treat rectal prolapse - a condition where the rectum protrudes out of the anus. The researchers wanted to find out how effective this treatment method was for children, as previous studies had not explored this.

The study looked back at the medical records of four children who had rectal prolapse and underwent robotic rectopexy at a single medical institution between 2012 and 2015. Three of the children were boys, one was a girl, and their average age was 15.5 years. Two of the children had rectal prolapse due to chronic constipation, one had it due to a genetic disorder called Ehlers Danlos syndrome, and the last one had it as a result of a previous surgery to fix a birth defect called imperforate anus.

Three of the four surgeries were fully completed using the robot, while one had to be converted to an open surgery. After the surgery, the children stayed in the hospital for an average of around three days. The researchers followed up with the children for an average of almost a year after their surgeries, during which time none of them had a recurrence of rectal prolapse.

The study concluded that robotic rectopexy is a safe and reliable treatment for rectal prolapse in children, providing a short-term solution to the condition.

FAQs

  1. What is robotic rectopexy and what condition does it treat?
  2. What were the results of the study on the effectiveness of robotic rectopexy in children with rectal prolapse?
  3. Were there any recurrences of rectal prolapse in the children after undergoing robotic rectopexy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about rectal prolapse surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This may include taking prescribed medications, maintaining good hygiene, avoiding heavy lifting, and gradually resuming normal activities as advised by the surgeon. Additionally, it is important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns. By following these guidelines, patients can optimize their chances of a successful outcome after rectal prolapse surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended rectal prolapse surgery are those who have tried non-surgical treatments such as dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medications without success. Rectal prolapse surgery is usually recommended for patients who experience severe symptoms such as chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, and rectal bleeding, as well as those who have a significant impact on their quality of life. Additionally, patients with underlying conditions such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome or previous surgeries that have led to rectal prolapse may also be recommended for surgery.

Timeline

Before the surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of rectal prolapse, such as protrusion of the rectum from the anus, constipation, and pain
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as physical examination, colonoscopy, and imaging studies, to confirm the diagnosis
  • Patient and medical team discuss treatment options, including robotic rectopexy
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations, such as bowel preparation and fasting

After the surgery:

  • Patient undergoes robotic rectopexy surgery, which involves using a robotic system to reattach the rectum to its normal position
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days post-surgery for monitoring and recovery
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and instructed on post-operative care, including pain management and diet modifications
  • Patient follows up with the medical team for regular check-ups and monitoring of the surgical site
  • Patient experiences improvement in symptoms and a reduced risk of recurrence of rectal prolapse

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after rectal prolapse surgery involves diagnosis, treatment decision-making, surgery, post-operative care, and follow-up to ensure the success of the procedure.

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 rectopexy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after the surgery, and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet after the surgery?
  4. How long will the results of the surgery last, and is there a chance of the rectal prolapse recurring in the future?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options for rectal prolapse that I should consider?
  6. What is the success rate of robotic rectopexy in children, and are there any factors that may affect the outcome of the surgery?
  7. How experienced is the surgical team in performing robotic rectopexy procedures for rectal prolapse?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  10. How can I best prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?

Reference

Authors: Hiller DJ, Bohl JL, Zeller KA. Journal: Am Surg. 2017 Dec 1;83(12):1386-1389. PMID: 29336759