Fertility after pouch surgery in women with ulcerative colitis: Is robotic surgery the key to better outcomes?

Abstract

Fertility preservation is a major concern for women with ulcerative colitis who require surgical treatment. Previous studies have shown that the risk of infertility after restorative proctocolectomy is approximately four times higher. However, this risk appears to be lower in patients who undergo minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopic surgery. The benefits of laparoscopy have led to a debate on whether robotic-assisted surgery could offer better results in terms of fertility. Surgical robotic platforms can provide improved visualization of the pelvis and more precise dissection of anatomical structures. In theory, this could reduce tissue damage and the inflammatory response, leading to lower adhesion formation and fallopian tube blockage, thereby preserving fertility.