Laparoscopic versus robotic inguinal hernia repair: a single-center case-matched study

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes Research
• Hernia Repair Techniques

Background:

• Robotic inguinal hernia repair (RIHR) is an emerging minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR).
• Limited direct comparative data exists between LIHR and RIHR.
• This study aims to compare outcomes of both procedures at a single institution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of robotic inguinal hernia repair (RIHR) versus laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR).
• To evaluate differences in operative time, recurrence rates, complications, and costs between LIHR and RIHR.

Main Methods:

• A prospective institutional hernia database was queried for patients undergoing transabdominal LIHR or RIHR between 2012 and 2020.
• Patients were matched based on the operating surgeon and laterality of repair.
• Standard descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• 282 patients (141 LIHR, 141 RIHR) were analyzed; groups were similar in BMI, comorbidities, and bilateral repair rates.
• Operative time decreased significantly for RIHR over the study period (50-min reduction).
• Recurrence rates were low and comparable (0.7% LIHR vs. 1.4% RIHR); one wound infection occurred in the RIHR group. Total charges were higher for RIHR.

Conclusions:

• Both LIHR and RIHR demonstrate low morbidity and comparable overall outcomes for inguinal hernia repair.
• The choice between LIHR and RIHR may depend on surgeon and patient preference.
• Continued evaluation of long-term outcomes for both robotic and laparoscopic approaches is warranted.