Incisional hernia after robotic single-site cholecystectomy: a pilot study
A Balaphas1, N C Buchs2, S P Naiken2
1Division of Digestive and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospitals Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland. alexandre.balaphas@hcuge.ch.
Summary
Robotic LaparoEndoscopic Single-Site Surgery Cholecystectomy (R-LESS-C) may lead to a significant rate of incisional hernias. Long-term follow-up is crucial to assess these parietal complications after R-LESS-C.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Robotic LaparoEndoscopic Single-Site Surgery Cholecystectomy (R-LESS-C) has been performed for five years using the da Vinci Single-Site platform.
- While short-term feasibility is established, long-term outcomes, particularly parietal complications, remain under-assessed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term parietal complications associated with Robotic LaparoEndoscopic Single-Site Surgery Cholecystectomy.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent R-LESS-C between 2011 and 2013.
- Parietal incisions were assessed using ultrasonography, and patients were screened for residual scar tissue pain.
- Demographic and perioperative data were collected for analysis.
Main Results:
- The study included 48 patients (79.2% female, median age 49 years) with a median follow-up of 39 months.
- A 12.5% rate of incisional hernias was detected via ultrasonography, with an overall incidence of 16.7%.
- Five patients (10.4%) reported residual pain from scar tissue.
Conclusions:
- Robotic LaparoEndoscopic Single-Site Surgery Cholecystectomy may be associated with a clinically significant rate of incisional hernias.
- Further large-scale studies comparing R-LESS-C with alternative surgical methods and long-term follow-up are warranted.
