Reza Gamagami, MD, Venkata R Kakarla, MD. Silver Cross Hospital
Introduction: Robotics technology has facilitated the performance of advanced laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has a steep learning curve and has served as a barrier to adoption of minimal invasive repair of inguinal hernias. This study examines a single surgeon’s early outcome with robotic-assisted TAPP compared with open (plug/patch) repair in patients undergoing unilateral primary hernia in terms of safety and feasibility for a surgeon with predominately open experience.
Methods and Procedures: We performed a retrospective review of 157 consecutive patients (66 robotic and 91 open) who underwent unilateral primary inguinal hernia repair between September 2012 and March 2015 at a single institution by a single surgeon. Data examined included gender, age, BMI, operative times, recurrence, perioperative complications and conversions.
Results: Patients in both groups were similar for age, gender, BMI and ASA. The groups were also matched for direct and indirect hernias. The mean operative time (31.9 vs. 65 minutes, p=0.0001) was significantly longer for the robotic vs. open. There was no significant difference in perioperative complications, readmission, reoperation or recurrence (0% for open and 1.5% in robotic). There was no conversion to open in the robotic group. The length of stay for both groups was similar.
Conclusion: Robotic TAPP inguinal hernia repair has longer operative times compared to open plug and patch technique. Early outcomes demonstrate no increased morbidity. Robotic TAPP inguinal hernia repair can be performed safely for a surgeon with predominately open inguinal hernia experience.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 80393
Program Number: P691
Presentation Session: Poster (Non CME)
Presentation Type: Poster
