Developing a Robotic Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Service in the Uk – Single Centre Experience

Abstract Aim A minimally invasive approach (MIS) to complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) is expanding and offers advantages in enhanced recovery. We report our single-centre experience in the introduction of Robotic CAWR. Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was carried out from March 2023 to January 2024. All patients undergoing CAWR using a MIS approach were included. Data was collected for the following: sex, age (years), BMI (kg/m2), length of hospital stay (LOS, days), operative time (hours), and post-operative complications. Results 30 patients underwent MIS CAWR (22 robotic; 8 laparoscopic). Male to female ratio was 18:12. The median age was 59 years (IQR 47–66) and BMI 36 kg/m2 (IQR 32–37). Operations included eTEP retro-rectus Rives-Stoppa (RS) + diastasis plication +/- TAR repair using macroporous polypropylene non-absorbable synthetic mesh. Three patients (10%) had TAR and another 3 (10%) had simultaneous inguinal hernia repairs. The median operating time for RS was 3.3 hours (IQR 3.1–3.5) whilst 7.5 hours (IQR 7.2–7.8) for RS + TAR. The median LOS was 2 days (IQR 1–2). Seven (23%) patients developed post-operative urinary retention requiring catheterization. 1 (3%) patient developed a post-operative chest infection. Twenty-two of 27 (82%) patients undergoing MIS Rives Stoppa required oral post-operative analgesia only. 1 (3%) patient had laparoscopic converted to open procedure due to bowel involvement. Conclusion MIS/Robotic CAWR is a safe approach and can be performed in a similar length of time to open procedures. However, LOS is significantly reduced and patients can be successfully managed with oral analgesia.