Robotic Incisional Hernia Repair After Solid Organ Transplantation

To describe and evaluate the feasibility of robotic DaVinci incisional hernia repair in the transplant patient population and compare this approach with 2 established surgical hernia repair methods: open and laparoscopic.

We compared 3 surgical techniques for incisional hernia repair. The 66 included patients were divided equally into 3 groups of 22 patients each: robotic DaVinci, fully laparoscopic, and open surgical repair. All patients had undergone a previous abdominal solid organ transplant. All hernia repairs were performed with mesh. Different surgical and patient variables were evaluated among the 3 groups.

The major finding was the shortest hospital length of stay in the robotic hernia repair group compared to the other procedural groups. However, operative time and pain score at hospital discharge were higher in the robotic group. There were no significant differences among the groups for all other variables.

Robotic incisional hernia repair with the DaVinci device is feasible and provides excellent short-term results. Assessment of the hernia defect prior to assigning patients for robotic hernia repair is crucial. Postoperative follow-up for transplant organ dysfunction is mandatory.