Initial Experience on Emerging Multimodular Robotic Platform: Case Series of Bilateral Inguinal and Ventral Hernia Repair

Abstract Background Robot-assisted approach in abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR) is constantly spreading, increasing minimally invasive procedures and sublay or extraperitoneal mesh placement. Few evidences about robotassisted approaches are available in literature, especially looking at new emerging robotic platforms. The aim of this study is to prospectively report our initial monocentric experience of robotic AWHR performed with a multimodular robotic platform. Method All consecutive patients, undergoing robotic AWHR with a multimodular robotic platform, between February 2023 and September 2023, were considered. Data of patients were retrieved from a prospectively collected database. Clinical and demographic characteristics, short and long term outcomes were analyzed. Results Thirty patients underwent robotic AWHR. Eighteen underwent bilateral inguinal hernia repair with transperitoneal approach (TAPP). Twelve patients underwent robotic transabdominal retromuscular umbilical prosthetic repair (TARUP) for umbilical hernia combined with symptomatic diastasis recti. Mean operating time was 174,28 min. Three intervention were concluded laparoscopically due to arms conflicts. No major intra- and post-operative surgical complications were observed. The mean post-operative hospital stay was 1.14 days. All patients received a follow-up at one week, 1, 3 and 6 months from surgery Conclusion The role of robotic surgery for AWHR is being defined. We can conclude that robotic AWHR for inguinal and ventral hernia is feasible and safe in term of surgical outcomes. In fact, sublay ventral hernia repair is encouraged by robotic approach, rather than intraperitoneal onlay mesh placement.