Robotic presacral neurectomy - technique and results

Background: The feasibility, safety and outcomes of robotic presacral neurectomy were evaluated. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 33 patients with midline chronic pelvic pain, who underwent robotic presacral neurectomy. Data were collected during the period March 2004-March 2010. Results: All patients underwent robotic presacral neurectomy and additional robotic procedures. Mean operating time for robotic presacral neurectomy was 5.8 (range 4.4-6.9) min. Mean blood loss, including concomitant procedures, was 39 (range 15-150) ml. Most patients were discharged the same day (60%) and mean hospital stay was 0.39 (range 0-2) days. There were no conversions or intra-operative complications. There were two postoperative complications: one pelvic abscess and one Clostridium difficile colitis. Pain improvement was reported by 73% (22/30) of patients. Conclusion: Robotic presacral neurectomy is safe and feasible, resulting in improvement of pelvic pain in selected patients.