Robotic-Assisted Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair: A Comparative Analysis Between Hugo RAS and da Vinci Xi Systems

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcomes of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair using two different robotic systems. Design: This retrospective comparative study analysed the surgical outcomes of VVF repair utilizing two different robotic platforms: the Hugo RAS Medtronic robot and the da Vinci Xi robot. Methods: VVF repair was performed with da Vinci Xi system (n = 15) and Hugo RAS Medtronic robot (n = 11) in a non-randomized fashion. Patient demographics, operative details (operative time and blood loss), intraoperative complications and postoperative outcomes were recorded and analysed. Results: The mean age of patients undergoing VVF repair was 41.2 years. In the Medtronic arm, the mean operative time was 82 min, with a mean blood loss of 60 ml. In the da Vinci arm, the mean operative time was 76 min, with a mean blood loss of 60 ml. Intraoperative complication was not observed in either group. Postoperative complications were minimal, with none exceeding Clavien-Dindo grade 2. Outcomes were comparable between both groups. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of using both the Hugo RAS Medtronic robot and the da Vinci Xi robot for VVF repair. These preliminary findings suggest that robotic-assisted surgery is promising for VVF repair, irrespective of the robotic platform.