Stefanie J Haynes, DO, Frederick Sabido, MD. Richmond University Medical Center
Introduction: The use of the robotic platform for ventral hernia repair has been proven to result in less surgical site infections (SSIs) and surgical site occurrences (SSOs) in multiple studies. We report our experience which further demonstrates the impact that robotics has had on reducing recurrence rates and post-operative complications specifically when fully resorbable mesh is utilized.
Methods: The American Hernia Society Quality Collaborative database was used to examine patients undergoing robotic ventral hernia repair from March 2017 – August 2018 by a Program Director and Fellow. The primary outcome measured was recurrence at 4 weeks, 20 weeks and 17 months. Secondary outcomes included SSIs, SSOs, readmission and chronic pain.
Patient demographics and intraoperative data were collected. All repairs utilized the Intuitive daVinci Si or Xi robotic platform. Primary closure of the hernia defect was completed with absorbable unidirectional barbed suture (Quil) and uniquely a fully resorbable Phasix mesh (8cm, 11cm, or 15cm) was positioned as an intraperitoneal onlay (IPOM).
Results: A total of 48 patients undergoing ventral hernia repair were examined- 22 female and 26 male. The mean age was 54 and BMI 33.8. The types of ventral hernias repaired were umbilical (40%), incisional (33%), epigastric (21%), and Spigelian (0.06%). The mean ASA class was 1.9 and total operative time was 0-59 minutes. All patients were discharged on the same day post operatively. Recurrence at 4 weeks was 0%, 20 weeks 0% and 17 months 4% (2/48). There were no SSIs, SSOs, readmissions or mesh infections reported. The average pain score post operatively was moderate and current pain was 0/10 on the pain scale.
Conclusions: This preliminary data demonstrates that fully resorbable mesh combined with the benefits of robotic technique for ventral hernia repair can reduce or eliminate the incidence of recurrence and post-operative complications at 17 months which has not been shown to date.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 94018
Program Number: P561
Presentation Session: Poster Session (Non CME)
Presentation Type: Poster