Pioneering new robotic procedure improves experience of gynaecology patients at UHNM

Patients suffering from pelvic organ prolapse are now benefitting from a pioneering new minimally invasive robotic procedure at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM). 

Gynaecological surgeons at the Royal Stoke University Hospital have become the first in the Midlands to robotically implant a synthetic vaginal mesh to support the prolapse.     

The innovative robotic procedure, known as a sacrocolpopexy, has several benefits for patients including a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, fewer visible scars, and a faster recovery time.   

Pelvic organ prolapse is when the pelvic muscles weaken causing one or more of the pelvic organs including the bladder, uterus or bowel, to slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina causing pain and problems passing urine.  

Ms Manjula Annappa, Consultant Urogynaecologist at UHNM said: “Pelvic organ prolapse is mainly common in patients aged over 50, with numbers increasing as people live longer and we have a more elderly population.   

“Previous pelvic organ prolapse procedures involved laparoscopic or even open surgery which is more painful for the patient and involves a longer period of hospital stay and recovery for the patient. It’s also more challenging for the surgeon to operate this way in the pelvic region. 

“But by using the Intuitive Da Vinci Xi robotic system, we are able to perform this procedure in just over an hour with greater precision leading to less blood-loss, less post-operative pain, a quicker recovery time and a shorter stay in hospital, helping to reduce waiting lists for surgery.”
 
Rosa Hubszer was the first patient to benefit from the procedure at UHNM after suffering from pelvic organ prolapse following a hysterectomy.

The 63-year-old from Cheadle said: “I hadn’t heard of the procedure before, but it was all explained very well to me beforehand which helped put my mind put to rest. I’m glad I went in for the procedure. It was a bit nerve-wracking when you go into theatre, but everything went well, and I was able to go home after one night. All the staff were very nice, from my surgeons through to the nurses on the ward.

“I would recommend the procedure to anybody that needs it. Everything seemed so easy, with hardly any scaring and a quick recovery time. I’ve been careful and taken my time with things since the procedure but am feeling much better now and glad it’s worked as planned.”
  
Mr Gourab Misra, Consultant Gynaecologist at UHNM said:  “We are proud to be the first centre in the region to be able to offer patients this minimally invasive robotic procedure, which is more beneficial to complex groups of patients who need a quicker procedure and recovery time.

“Pelvic organ prolapse can seriously affect a patient’s quality of life, both physically and mentally. Due to the stigma around pelvic organ prolapse, patients can present with quite advanced symptoms, so we want them to know that there is help available and don’t suffer with the symptoms.”