Outcomes from 306 consecutive robotic ventral hernia repairs in the community setting

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Background:

• Robotic-assisted laparoscopy is gaining traction for ventral and incisional hernia repair.
• Various robotic techniques exist, but more data is needed on their indications and benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze outcomes of robotic ventral hernia repairs in a community setting.
• To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and recurrence rates of different robotic techniques.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 306 consecutive robotic ventral hernia repairs over 2 years.
• Techniques included intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with fascial defect closure (IPOM+), ventral transabdominal preperitoneal repair (vTAPP), and retrorectus (RR) repairs (with or without transverse abdominis release - TAR).
• Outcomes assessed included complications, readmissions, reoperations, and hernia recurrences at a minimum 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• 306 repairs: 63 IPOM+, 199 vTAPP, 44 RR (57% with TAR).
• Low intraoperative (0.6%) and postoperative (0.3%) complications; 95% same-day discharge.
• Overall complication rate 1.3%, readmission 1.0%, reoperation 1.0%, with zero hernia recurrences at an average 13.3-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Robotic ventral hernia repair is a safe and effective strategy for various abdominal wall hernias.
• The study demonstrates low complication and recurrence rates in medium-term follow-up.
• Robotic approaches offer a viable treatment option with favorable outcomes.