Robotic extended total extraperitoneal transversus abdominus release for traumatic flank and abdominal intercostal...

Traumatic abdominal intercostal/flank hernias present a perplexing challenge for surgeons seeking to repair them. There has been a paucity of studies describing robotic repairs of such hernias. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the Robotic-assisted Extended Total Extraperitoneal/Transversus Abdominus Release (rETEP/TAR) method in repairing traumatic abdominal intercostal and flank hernias.

Patients with traumatic abdominal intercostal hernias at a high-volume hernia center between 2019 and 2022 were identified and retrospective data including patient demographics, perioperative parameters, postoperative complications and up to a three-year follow-up were collected for those undergoing rETEP/TAR. Robotic ETEP access was gained through the retro-rectus space ipsilateral to the hernia, using a transversus abdominis release performed laterally to the level of the posterior axillary line. Dissection was completed from the pelvis to the central tendon as necessary.

A total of 8 patients were analyzed. All patients suffered traumatic or Valsalvainduced hernias. The average age was 54 +/-15yrs. The mean defect size was 11x17cm. Heavyweight uncoated polypropylene mesh was placed in the retromuscular space and secured with transfascial suture. Mean mesh size was 34x30cm and mean operative time was 216 +/- 69 minutes. The median length of stay was 1 day. All patients reported improvement in pain without any evidence of recurrence at postoperative follow-up.

This study demonstrates that the Robotic-assisted ETEP/TAR technique is an effective way of repairing abdominal intercostal and flank hernias.