Robotic hiatus hernia surgery: learning curve and lessons learned

New procedures like the robotic approach require proficiency to ensure patient safety and satisfactory functional results. Hiatal hernia surgery serves as a suitable training procedure for upper gastrointestinal tract surgeons transitioning to the robotic approach. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of implementing the robotic approach in hiatal hernia surgery at a tertiary hospital and to assess the associated learning curve. A retrospective review was conducted on 54 patients (58 surgeries) between June 2019 and March 2024, including both primary and revision robotic antireflux surgeries. The study focused on perioperative outcomes, symptom resolution, and the surgical learning curve, assessed using Cumulative Sum analysis. The results showed that global surgical time averaged 124 ± 57 (54-350) min, 127 ± 38 (116-139) for Primary Surgery and 164 ± 84 (115-212) min for Revisional Surgery. There were no conversions to laparoscopic or open approach. The global median of hospital stay was 2 days (2 for Primary Surgery and 3 for Revisional Surgery) and three patients required readmission (2 for Primary Surgery and 1 for Revisional Surgery). Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients. Symptom resolution was achieved in 90% of Primary Surgery group and 85.7% of Revisional Surgery group. Learning curve described three phases: 1-training (case 1 to 14), 2-plateau (15 to 25) and 3-expertise phase (25 onwards). The robotic approach in hiatal hernia surgery is feasible with minimal morbidity, short hospital stays, and excellent functional results. With previous experience in laparoscopic approach and esophagogastric surgery the learning curve can be reduced to 14 procedures.