Anatomic and functional long-term results of ventral rectopexy

Thesis event information

Date and time of the thesis defence

Place of the thesis defence

Oulu University Hospital, auditorium 1. Remote connection: https://oulu.zoom.us/j/64238214865

Topic of the dissertation

Anatomic and functional long-term results of ventral rectopexy

Doctoral candidate

Licentiate of Medicine Kirsi Laitakari

Faculty and unit

University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Surgery, Anesthesia and Intensive Care

Subject of study

Medicine

Opponent

Docent Petri Aitola, Pihlajalinna Koskiklinikka Tampere

Custos

Professor Juha Saarnio, University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital

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Long-term results of ventral rectopexy

The long-term anatomical, functional, and quality of life outcomes are mainly comparable between LVMR and RVMR procedures. Minimally invasive ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) approaches are widely used surgical managements for external rectal prolapse (ERP) and symptomatic internal rectal prolapse (IRP). Despite the potential benefits of robot-assisted surgery with a 3-dimensional magnified view and larger range of instrument motion, the superiority of robotic ventral mesh rectopexy (RVMR) over laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) has not been demonstrated.

In this dissertation, the anatomical, functional, and quality of life outcomes of traditional laparoscopic and newer robotic-assisted ventral rectopexy were compared with data from a total of approximately 370 patients with a maximum follow-up of five years. The surgical outcome was evaluated on the basis of a magnetic examination, symptom questionnaires, and a clinical examination.

Based on the results, the anatomical surgical outcome is maintained and there are no clinically significant differences between the surgical techniques. The functional and quality of life results of the surgical techniques were comparable. In the robotic surgery group, fecal incontinence scores were lower, but new pelvic pain occurred more than in the laparoscopic group. Re-rectopexy appears to be a safe and effective operation with acceptable risks of complications and recurrence, as well as re-surgery rates.
Last updated: 1.3.2023