Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair for Incarcerated Hernias

This is the first study to investigate clinical outcomes after robotic emergent inguinal hernia repair (rEIHR). Data were retrospectively analyzed from patients who underwent rEIHR from 2013 to 2020. Any patients who underwent concomitant nonabdominal wall procedures were excluded. Complications were assessed with the Clavien-Dindo (CD) and Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI^®) scoring systems. Out of 616 patients who underwent inguinal herniorrhaphy throughout the study period, 23 rEIHRs were identified among 19 patients. The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score was 6, and the average skin-to-skin time was 75.9 minutes. The average length of stay (LOS) was 1.4 days. During the mean follow-up period of 31.7 months, a total of three complications (CD-grades I, II, and IVa) in two patients were observed. The median CCI score was 0 (max = 43.3). rEIHR is a feasible option for surgeons to utilize, with a short LOS and low complication rate, given the sufficient experience and support as well as the appropriate patient selection.