The current state of robotic retromuscular repairs-a qualitative review of the literature

Robotic Surgical Procedures for Ventral Hernia Repair

The recent availability of robotic platforms has facilitated the adoption of advanced minimally invasive ventral hernia repair. Robotic-assisted ventral hernia repair is an evolving field with many new techniques and acronyms for different accesses and approaches. This paper aims to describe the four currently most used procedures for robotic ventral hernia repair, all of which are MIS sublay repairs; robotic Trans-Abdominal-Preperitoneal (r-TAPP), robotic Trans-Abdominal-Retromuscular-Mesh (r-TARM), robotic Extended-Totally-Extra-Peritoneal (r-E-TEP), and robotic Transversus-Abdominis-Release (RoboTAR). Their descriptions are supported by illustrations. The paper describes trocar placement, practical tips and tricks, and briefly discusses the indications for each procedure. Furthermore, technical details such as the incision of the flap, access to the correct anatomical planes, dissection techniques, handling of the hernia sac, mesh choice and placement, and restoration of the abdominal wall layers are described. In conclusion, robotic ventral hernia repair has gained wide acceptance with promising postoperative results. There are many different techniques and approaches available, and this paper describes the four most commonly performed procedures in a detailed step-by-step fashion.

Single-dock Robotic Bilateral Transversus Abdominis Release: Technique Description and Preliminary Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a valuable adjunct to address incisional hernia defects. Currently, bilateral docking is a standard technique for robotic TAR. The aim of this study is to describe our technique for extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) repair with bilateral TAR through a bottom single-dock robotic approach for hernias at the level of the umbilicus or higher.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a case series of patients who underwent robotic eTEP repair with bilateral TAR using a single bottom docking between November 2021 and November 2023. A comprehensive description of our patient selection, surgical technique, and short-term clinical outcomes is reported.

RESULTS

Ten patients with incisional hernias were included. Their median age was 55 years (IQR: 49.5 to 61.25), 70% were male, the median BMI was 27.25 kg/m (IQR: 22.95 to 33.53), and ASA class was ≥2 in 80%. Median hernia width was 10 cm (IQR: 6.75 to 12.25) and length 11 cm (IQR: 9.25 to 16.25). The median operative time was 178.5 minutes (IQR: 153.75 to 222), and the length of stay was 1 day (IQR: 0.75 to 1.75). At a median follow-up of 5 months (IQR: 2.6 to 9.7), 20% of patients developed a surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral TAR using a single bottom dock is a feasible and safe adjunct to robotic eTEP ventral hernia repair in appropriately selected patients.

Robotic trans-abdominal retromuscular hernia repair for medium-sized midline hernias: midterm outcomes and surgical site occurrence (SSO) analysis in 120 patients

Robotic surgery has become a popular method for treating ventral hernias due to its promising peri-operative outcomes. However, the long-term results of this approach are still unclear. In this study, 120 patients underwent robotic trans-abdominal retromuscular mesh placement (r-TARM) with a mean follow-up period of 18.1 months. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the robotic approach reporting peri-operative and midterm outcomes. Additionally, we examined possible risk factors that may contribute to the development of surgical site occurrences (SSOs). Between January 2021 and September 2023, 120 patients underwent r-TARM for midline hernias, including 39 primary, 71 incisional, and 10 recurrent cases. A retrospective analysis was performed. A logistic regression model was used to identify possible patient risk factors for SSO development. The average operative time was 153.5 ± 47.2 min, and there were no open or laparoscopic approach conversions. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.9 ± 0.9 days. We observed SSO in 16 patients (13.3%). One patient (0.8%) required angiographic embolization due to post-operative parietal bleeding. The mean follow-up time was 18.1 ± 7.8 months, and we observed hernia recurrence in only one (0.8%) patient. The logistic regression model did not identify any possible risk factors for SSO. r-TARM is a safe and effective method for treating ventral hernias not requiring posterior component separation. Our results indicate that patient and hernia characteristics were not predictive of SSO. Midterm outcomes are encouraging, though longer follow-up is needed.

Minimally Invasive Pauli Parastomal Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

Although originally described as an open procedure, the application in the setting of minimally invasive surgery of the Pauli technique for parastomal hernia repair is gaining interest among surgeons owing to encouraging early results. We aimed at combining and analyzing the results of minimally invasive Pauli repair by assessing the available evidence.

METHODS

A literature search in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science was undertaken to include all articles reporting on minimally invasive repair of parastomal hernias using the Pauli technique.

RESULTS

Data regarding a total of 75 patients across 11 articles published between 2019 and 2023 were included. Patients received surgery either by a laparoscopic (27%) or robotic (73%) approach. A transabdominal route was chosen in 62 patients (83%), while an extraperitoneal technique was employed in the remaining 13 patients. The rate of postoperative morbidity was 34%, with 10% being the incidence of grade >II complications. The reported overall rate of recurrence was 7% at a median follow-up of 1 to 43 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence derived from a growing number of centers suggests that minimally invasive Pauli repair is a viable option to treat parastomal hernias. Despite robust, high-level data still lacking, preliminary experiences indicate promising results.

A comparison of robotic enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal approach versus trans-abdominal retro-muscular approach for midline ventral hernias

BACKGROUND

The evolution of midline ventral hernia repair has progressed from the open Rives-Stoppa technique to minimally invasive robotic approaches, notably the trans-abdominal retromuscular (TARM) and enhanced-view Totally Extraperitoneal (eTEP) methods. This study compares these two robotic techniques in repairing medium-sized midline ventral hernias.

METHODS

A retrospective comparative study of electronic medical records from 2015 to 2021 was conducted on patients undergoing robotic TARM or eTEP at NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. Data on demographics, comorbid conditions, surgical history, intraoperative details, hernia characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Both eTEP and TARM groups exhibited comparable outcomes regarding operative duration, hernia defect size, and overall complications. However, notable differences were observed in patients' BMI, implanted mesh area, mesh composition, and fixation techniques across the groups. The TARM group required a longer hospital stay (median: 1 day) in contrast to the eTEP group (median: 0 days). Additionally, eTEP patients indicated reduced postoperative pain scores (median: 2) compared to TARM (median: 3), with both differences being statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The robotic eTEP approach is associated with lower post-operative pain scores, decreased hospital length of stay, and larger areas of mesh implantation as compared to the TARM approach. Other variables are largely comparable between the two techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Outcomes of Robotic Transabdominal Retromuscular Repair: 3-Year Follow-up

Background

Our study addresses the gap in ventral hernia repair literature, regarding the long-term effectiveness of robotic transabdominal retrorectus umbilical prosthetic repair (r-TARUP) for primary and incisional ventral hernias. This study aimed to report the 3-year recurrence rates and overall patient outcomes including quality of life.

Method

A retrospective review of prospective collected data analyzed 101 elective r-TARUP patients from August 2018 to January 2022. Data collected included demographics, hernia sizes, mesh types, postoperative outcomes and the European Hernia Society Quality of Life questionnaire (EuraHS-QoL) before and after surgery.

Results

The average age of the group of patients was 53, having a mean body mass index (BMI) of 32 kg/m, with 54% incisional and 46% primary hernias, with mean length and width of 4.4 cm and 6.1 cm, utilizing synthetic 58% and bioabsorbable 42% mesh types. The majority were classified as Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) class I wounds. Postoperative complications included seroma (2%), hematoma (3%), which required surgical intervention, with no significant correlation to mesh type. A strong positive correlation was found between Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) and increased length of hospital stay (correlation coefficient: 0.731, p < 0.001). Preoperative quality of life assessments demonstrated statistically significant improvements when compared to postoperative assessments at 3 years, with a mean (±SD) of 61.61 ± 5.29 vs. 13.84 ± 2.6 (p < 0.001). Mean follow up of 34.4 months with no hernia recurrence at 1 year and 3 recurrence at the 2-3 years follow up (3.2%).

Conclusion

The r-TARUP technique has proven to be safe and effective for repairing primary and incisional ventral hernias, with a low recurrence rate during this follow up period with a noticeable improvement in quality of life (QoL).

Initial experience with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and early discharge protocols after robotic extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) hernia surgery

BACKGROUND

Though robotic adoption for eTEP surgery has decreased technical barriers to minimally invasive repairs of large ventral hernias, relatively few studies have examined outcomes of robotic-specific eTEP surgery. This study evaluates safety, feasibility, and early outcomes of ERAS/same-day discharge protocols for robotic eTEP ventral hernia repairs.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for all robotic eTEP hernia surgeries at a single institution between 2019 and 2022. Analysis included patient demographics, hernia characteristics, intraoperative data, and post-operative outcomes at 30 days. ERAS protocol included: judicious use of urinary catheters with removal at end of case if placed, bilateral transversus abdominus plane (TAP) blocks, post-operative abdominal wall binder, and opioid-sparing perioperative analgesia. Patients were discharged same day from post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) if they lacked comorbidities requiring observation post-anesthesia and demonstrated stable vital signs, adequate pain control, ability to void, and ability to ambulate. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was considered 0 for same-day PACU discharges or hospitalizations < 24 h.

RESULTS

102 patients were included in this case series. 69% (70/102) of patients were discharged same-day (mean LOS 0.47 ± 0.80 days). Within 30 post-operative days, 3% (3/102) of patients presented to the ER, 2% (2/102) were readmitted to the hospital, and 1% (1/102) required reoperation. There was 1 serious complication (Clavien-Dindo grade 3/4) with an aggregate complication rate of 7.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience with ERAS protocols and same-day discharges after robotic eTEP repair demonstrates this approach is safe and feasible with acceptable short-term patient outcomes. Compared to traditional open surgery for large ventral hernias, robotic eTEP may enable significant reductions in hospital LOS as adoption increases.

Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic incisional hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety outcomes of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic techniques for incisional hernia repair.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane databases, and conference abstracts were systematically searched for studies that directly compared robot-assisted versus laparoscopy for incisional hernia repair and reported safety or efficacy outcomes in a follow-up of ≥ 1 month. The primary endpoints of interest were postoperative complications and the length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The search strategy yielded 2104 results, of which four studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies included 1293 patients with incisional hernia repairs, 440 (34%) of whom underwent robot-assisted repair. Study follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 months. There was no significant difference between groups in the incidence of postoperative complications (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.35-1.21; p = 0.17). The recurrence rate of incisional hernias (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.05-2.29; p = 0.27) was also similar between robotic and laparoscopic surgeries. Hospital length of stay (MD - 1.05 days; 95% CI - 2.06, - 0.04; p = 0.04) was significantly reduced in the robotic-assisted repair. However, the robot-assisted repair had a significantly longer operative time (MD 69.6 min; 95% CI 59.0-80.1; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The robotic approach for incisional hernia repair was associated with a significant difference between the two groups in complications and recurrence rates, a longer operative time than laparoscopic repair, but with a shorter length of stay.

Enhanced recovery after robotic ventral hernia repair: factors associated with overnight stay in hospital

PURPOSE

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols lead to reduced post-operative stay and improved outcomes after most types of abdominal surgery. Little is known about the optimal post-operative protocol after robotic ventral hernia repair (RVHR), including the potential limits of outpatient surgery. We report the results of an ERAS protocol after RVHR aiming to identify factors associated with overnight stay in hospital, as well as patient-reported pain levels in the immediate post-operative period.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing RVHR. Patients were included in a prospective database, registering patient characteristics, operative details, pain and fatigue during the first 3 post-operative days and pre- and 30-day post-operative hernia-related quality of life, using the EuraHS questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients were included, of which 66 (61%) underwent incisional hernia repair. The most performed procedure was TARUP (robotic transabdominal retromuscular umbilical prosthetic hernia repair) (60.6%) followed by bilateral roboTAR (robotic transversus abdominis release) (19.3%). The mean horizontal fascial defect was 4.8 cm, and the mean duration of surgery was 141 min. In total, 78 (71.6%) patients were discharged on the day of surgery, and factors associated with overnight stay were increasing fascial defect area, longer duration of surgery, and transverse abdominis release. There was no association between post-operative pain and overnight hospital stay. The mean EuraHS score decreased significantly from 38.4 to 6.4 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

An ERAS protocol after RVHR was associated with a high rate of outpatient procedures with low patient-reported pain levels.

The INCH-trial: a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing short- and long-term outcomes of open and laparoscopic surgery for incisional hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is increasingly performed worldwide and expected to be superior to conventional open repair regarding hospital stay and quality of life (QoL). The INCisional Hernia-Trial was designed to test this hypothesis.

METHODS

A multicenter parallel randomized controlled open-label trial with a superiority design was conducted in six hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients with primary or recurrent incisional hernias were randomized by computer-guided block-randomization to undergo either conventional open or laparoscopic repair. Primary endpoint was postoperative length of hospital stay in days. Secondary endpoints included QoL, complications, and recurrences. Patients were followed up for at least 5 years.

RESULTS

Hundred-and-two patients were recruited and randomized. In total, 88 patients underwent surgery and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (44 in the open group, 44 in the laparoscopic group). Mean age was 59.5 years, gender division was equal, and BMI was 28.8 kg/m. The trial was concluded early for futility after an unplanned interim analysis, which showed that the hypothesis needed to be rejected. There was no difference in primary outcome: length of hospital stay was 3 (range 1-36) days in the open group and 3 (range 1-12) days in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.481). There were no significant between-group differences in QoL questionnaires on the short and long term. Satisfaction was impaired in the open group. Overall recurrence rate was 19%, of which 16% in the open and 23% in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.25) at a mean follow-up of 6.6 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized controlled trial, short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair were not superior to open surgery. The persisting high recurrence rates, reduced QoL, and suboptimal satisfaction warrant the need for patient's expectation management in the preoperative process and individualized surgical management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register NTR2808.

The Role of Robotics in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Robotic abdominal wall reconstruction is becoming an accepted technique to approach complex hernias in a minimally invasive fashion. There remain a deficit of high-quality data to suggest significant clinical benefit but current randomized trials are ongoing. Robotic surgery can be applied to a range of abdominal wall defects safely and with positive outcomes which are at least equivocal to open abdominal wall techniques.

Open Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

This article provides an approach to open complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Herein, the authors discuss the purpose of component separation as well as its relevant indications. The techniques and anatomical considerations of both anterior and posterior component separation are described. In addition, patient selection criteria, preoperative adjuncts that may assist with fascial or soft tissue closure, and complications of component separation will be discussed.

Primary Uncomplicated Ventral Hernia Repair: Guidelines and Practice Patterns for Routine Hernia Repairs

Surgical repair of primary umbilical and epigastric hernias are among the most common abdominal operations in the world. The hernia defects range from small (<1 cm) to large and complex even in the absence of prior incision or repair. Mesh has generally been shown to decrease recurrence rates, and its use and location of placement should be individualized for each patient. Open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches provide unique considerations for the technical aspects of primary repair with or without mesh augmentation.

Long term outcomes of robotic-assisted abdominal wall reconstruction: a single surgeon experience

INTRODUCTION

Robotic abdominal wall reconstruction (RAWR) is one of the most significant advances in the management of complex abdominal wall hernias. The objective of this study was to evaluate long term outcomes in a cohort of patients that underwent complex RAWR in a single center.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal retrospective review of a cohort of 56 patients who underwent complex RAWR at least 24 months prior by a single surgeon at a tertiary care institution. All patients underwent bilateral retro-rectus release (rRRR) with or without robotic transversus abdominis release (rTAR). Data collected include demographics, hernia details, operative and technical details. The prospective analysis included a post-procedure visit of at least 24 months from the index procedure with a physical examination and quality of life survey using the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS). Patients with reported symptoms concerning for hernia recurrence underwent radiographic imaging. Descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation or median) were calculated for continuous variables. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test as deemed appropriate for categorical variables, and analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous data, were performed among the separate operative groups. A total score for the CCS was calculated and analyzed in accordance with the user guidelines.

RESULTS

One-hundred and-forty patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-six patients consented to participate in the study. Mean age was 60.2 years. Mean BMI was 34.0. Ninety percent of patients had at least one comorbidity and 52% of patients were scored ASA 3 or higher. Fifty-nine percent were initial incisional hernias, 19.6% were recurrent incisional hernias and 8.9% were recurrent ventral hernias. The mean defect width was 9 cm for rTAR and 5 cm for rRRR. The mean implanted mesh size was 945.0 cm² for rTAR and 362.5 cm² for rRRR. The mean length of follow-up was 28.1 months. Fifty-seven percent of patients underwent post-op imaging at an average follow-up of 23.5 months. Recurrence rate was 3.6% for all groups. There were no recurrences in patients that underwent solely bilateral rRRR. Two patients (7.7%) that underwent rTAR procedures were found with recurrence. Average time to recurrence was 23 months. Quality of life survey demonstrated an overall CCS score of 6.63 ± 13.95 at 24 months with 12 (21.4%) patients reporting mesh sensation, 20 (35.7%) reporting pain, and 13 (23.2%) reporting movement limitation.

CONCLUSION

Our study contributes to the paucity of literature describing long term outcomes of RAWR. Robotic techniques offer durable repairs with acceptable quality of life metrics.

An Algorithmic Approach for the MIS Repair of Ventral Midline Hernias Associated With Diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle

Purpose: We present our algorithmic approach for symptomatic ventral hernias with Diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle (DRAM). Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with symptomatic ventral hernias and DRAM undergoing hernia repair and plication of DRAM from July 2018-March 2021 was conducted. Based on our algorithm, patients were selected for an Endoscopic Onlay Repair (ENDOR) or a Robotic Extended Totally Extraperitoneal Ventral Repair (R-eTEP). Results: We performed a R-eTEP in fifty-seven patients and an ENDOR in twenty-four patients. In the R-eTEP group, thirty-seven (65%) patients were female, the mean age was 54.8 (±10.6), and the mean BMI was 32 (±4.8). Fifty patients (87.7%) had multiple defects, of which 19 (38%) were recurrent hernias and 31 (62%) were incisional hernias. The mean operative time was 200 (±62.4) minutes, with two cases requiring a hybrid approach. The median length of stay was 1 day (0-12), and the median follow-up was 103 days. Twenty-four patients underwent an ENDOR, 19 females (79.2%), the mean age was 45.7 years (±11.7) and the mean BMI was 28 (±3.6). 13 patients had isolated umbilical or epigastric hernias. The mean operative time was 146.2 min (±51.1). Fibrin sealant and suture was the predominant method for mesh fixation, and most cases were performed in an ambulatory setting. Four patients developed post-operative seromas; one requiring drainage due to infection. The Median follow-up was 48.5 days (10-523), with two reported hernia recurrences. Conclusion: An algorithmic approach for adequate patient selection was shown to be safe for treating ventral hernias with DRAM.

Establishment of minimally invasive ventral hernia repair with extraperitoneal mesh placement in a primary care hospital using the robotic platform

Background

The progressive availability of robotic surgical systems opens new perspectives in abdominal wall surgery due to excellent visibility and dexterity of instruments. While complex hernias until today were treated primarily through an open access, we evaluated if this promising technology is suitable for treating the entire spectrum of a hernia center, including complex hernias.

Material/methods

In 2017, minimally invasive hernia surgery with extraperitoneal mesh placement was started in Kempten hospital. Since 2019, a Da Vinci X system has been available for this purpose. In order to observe the process of transition we retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent ventral hernia repair in the department of general and visceral surgery at our hospital between January 2016 and December 2020 and were indicated for mesh implantation.

Results

In 2016, the percentage of minimally invasive procedures was 37.3%. In all of these cases an intraperitoneal mesh was implanted into the abdominal cavity. Open surgery was performed in 62.7%, of which an a retromuscular mesh was implanted in 75.7%, an intraperitoneal mesh in 21.6%, and an onlay mesh in 2.7%. In 2020, minimally invasive surgery accounted for 87.5%, of which 85.7% were performed robotically and 14.3 laparoscopically. In 94.3% of these minimally invasively treated patients the mesh was implanted in extraperitoneal position (75.8% in retromuscular and 24.2% in preperitoneal position). The percentage of complex hernias increased from 20.3% to 35.0% during the same period.

Conclusion

The majority of ventral hernia procedures can be performed safely using the robot in a minimally invasive technique with extraperitoneal mesh placement without leading to an increase in complications. Robotically-assisted hernia repair is a promising new technique that is also practical for complex hernias.

eTEP inferior access with tailored retromuscular dissection for small to mid-sized umbilical hernia repair with or without inguinal hernia: early experience

INTRODUCTION

The minimally invasive surgical repair of combined inguinal and ventral hernias often requires shifting from one approach or plane to another. The traditional enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal Rives-Stoppa repair consists of a large retro muscular dissection that is unjustified for small ventral hernias. Here we describe a modification to the minimally invasive Rives-Stoppa repair using a limited retro muscular dissection based on the ventral defect size for small/medium-sized hernias, with or without combined inguinal hernias.

METHODS

From a single surgical team, a retrospective study was performed over a 1-year period. Demographics, hernia characteristics, surgical techniques, intraoperative/postoperative complications, and outcomes were all analyzed and reported. We also included detailed surgical steps, landmarks, pitfalls, and personal tips for this technique.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients underwent a laparoscopic limited retromuscular dissection ventral hernia repair utilizing the eTEP access technique. Eighteen were primary umbilical hernias and six postoperative incisional hernias, and nine were combined ventral and inguinal hernia repairs. Eight of the primary umbilical hernias were EHS classified as medium size, 11 small, and for the incisional hernias, three were classified as M3W1 and two as M3W2. One procedure was converted to TAPP. There were no intraoperative complications. The mean length of stay was 1.25 days (range 1-3). There was one postoperative retromuscular hematoma and no recurrence during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

eTEP with limited dissection offers a good and safe solution for small to medium size hernias; it provides an efficient solution when an inguinal hernia is to be addressed as well.

Robotic retromuscular abdominal wall repair using an inverted TEP (iTEP) approach: surgical technique and short-term outcomes

PURPOSE

Robotic retromuscular abdominal wall repair (RAWR) for ventral hernias can be performed transabdominal or extraperitoneal by using an enhanced view totally extraperitoneal repair (eTEP). For defects in the meso- or epigastric region, an inverted approach can be used, starting the development of the totally extraperitoneal plane in the suprapubic region and progressing in a caudal-to-cranial direction (inverted TEP, iTEP). The aim of the study is to present the surgical technique and to report the short-term outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed, including patients who underwent a robotic RAWR using the iTEP approach between December 2019 and January 2022. The surgical technique was described, and patients' characteristics and intra- and postoperative parameters were studied and compared to the TARUP technique (robotic transabdominal retromuscular umbilical prosthetic hernia repair).

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were treated with an iTEP approach, and 14 patients underwent a TARUP procedure. The median length of stay was 1 day (range 1-3), and there were no intraoperative complications in both groups. One patient (3%) required reoperation after an iTEP approach for a small bowel internal herniation due to a rupture of the posterior rectus sheath. There were no recurrences or mortality with a median follow-up of 15 months (range 3-29) in the iTEP group, compared to 35 months (range 29-37) in the TARUP group.

CONCLUSION

For defects in the upper abdominal region, a robotic RAWR with an iTEP approach appears to be safe and feasible. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the late recurrence rate.

Robotic hernia repair III. English version : Robotic incisional hernia repair with transversus abdominis release (r‑TAR). Video report and results of a cohort study

The principle of targeted separation or weakening of individual components of the abdominal wall to relieve tension in the median line during major abdominal reconstruction has been known for over 30 years as anterior component separation (aCS) and is an established procedure. In search of alternatives with lower complication rates, posterior component separation (pCS) was developed; transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a nerve-sparing modification of pCS. With the ergonomic resources of robotics (e.g., angled instruments), TAR can be performed in a minimally invasive manner (r-TAR): hernia gaps of up to 14 cm can be closed and a large extraperitoneal mesh implanted. In this video article, the treatment of large incisional hernias using the r‑TAR technique is presented. Exemplary results of a cohort study in 13 consecutive patients are presented. The procedure is challenging, but our own results-as well as reports from the literature-are encouraging. The r‑TAR is becoming the pinnacle procedure for abdominal wall reconstruction.

Transversus abdominis release (TAR) for ventral hernia repair: open or robotic? Short-term outcomes from a systematic review with meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare early postoperative outcomes after transversus abdominis release (TAR) for ventral hernia repair with open (oTAR) and robotic (rTAR) approach.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify comparative studies until October 2020. A meta-analysis of postoperative short-term outcomes was performed including complications rate, operative time, length of stay, surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrence (SSO), SSO requiring intervention (SSOPI), systemic complications, readmission, and reoperation rates as measure outcomes.

RESULTS

Six retrospective studies were included in the analysis with a total of 831 patients who underwent rTAR (n = 237) and oTAR (n = 594). Robotic TAR was associated with lower risk of complications rate (9.3 vs 20.7%, OR 0.358, 95% CI 0.218-0.589, p < 0.001), lower risk of developing SSO (5.3 vs 11.5%, OR 0.669, 95% CI 0.307-1.458, p = 0.02), lower risk of developing systemic complications (6.3 vs 26.5%, OR 0.208, 95% CI 0.100-0.433, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (SMD - 4.409, 95% CI - 6.000 to - 2.818, p < 0.001) but longer operative time (SMD 53.115, 95% CI 30.236-75.993, p < 0.01) compared with oTAR. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of SSI, SSOPI, readmission, and reoperation rates.

CONCLUSION

Robotic TAR improves recovery by adding the benefits of minimally invasive procedures when compared to open surgery. Although postoperative complications appear to decrease with a robotic approach, further studies are needed to support the real long-term and cost-effective advantages.

[Robotic hernia repair : Part III: Robotic incisional hernia repair with transversus abdominis release (r-TAR). Video report and results of a cohort study]

The principle of targeted separation or weakening of individual components of the abdominal wall to relieve tension in the median line during major abdominal reconstruction has been known for over 30 years as anterior component separation (aKS) and is an established procedure. In search of alternatives with lower complication rates, posterior component separation (pKS) was developed; transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a nerve-sparing modification of pKS. With the ergonomic resources of robotics (e.g., angled instruments), TAR can be performed in a minimally invasive manner (r-TAR): hernia gaps of up to 14 cm can be closed and a large extraperitoneal mesh implanted. In this video article, the treatment of large incisional hernias using the r‑TAR technique is presented. Exemplary results of a cohort study in 13 consecutive patients are presented. The procedure is challenging, but our own results-as well as reports from the literature-are encouraging. The r‑TAR is becoming the pinnacle procedure for abdominal wall reconstruction.

Subxiphoid top-down endoscopic totally preperitoneal approach (eTPA) for midline ventral hernia repair

PURPOSE

Midline abdominal wall hernia repair is among the most common surgical interventions performed worldwide. However, the optimal surgical technique remains controversial. To overcome the disadvantages of both open and transabdominal procedures, we developed a totally endoscopic preperitoneal approach (eTPA) with placement of a large mesh.

METHODS

From December 2019 to October 2020, 20 consecutive patients with small to medium-sized midline ventral hernias underwent repair using a completely preperitoneal subxiphoid top-down approach. The preperitoneal space was entered directly below the xiphoid, and careful endoscopic development of the plane between the peritoneum and posterior sheath of the rectus fascia was then performed behind the linea alba. The hernia sac and its contents were identified and reduced. The hernia defect was closed with sutures, and a mesh with an adequate high defect: mesh ratio was placed in the newly created preperitoneal space.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were enrolled in this study, including 14 with primary umbilical hernias, 4 with primary epigastric hernias, and 2 with recurrent umbilical hernias. 15 patients suffered from a mild concomitant diastasis recti. All operations were successfully completed without conversion to open repair. The mean operative time was 105.3 min (range, 60-220 min). Postoperative pain was mild, and the mean visual analog scale score for pain was 1.8 on the first postoperative day. The average postoperative hospital stay was 1.8 days (range, 1-4 days). One patient developed a minor postoperative seroma, but it had no adverse impact on the final outcome. No patients developed recurrence during the 3- to 10-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

The subxiphoid top-down totally endoscopic preperitoneal approach (eTPA) technique is feasible and effective. It may become a valuable alternative for the treatment of primary small- (defect size < 2 cm) and medium-sized (2-4 cm) midline ventral hernias, particularly in presence of a concomitant diastasis recti.

[Current robotic ventral hernia surgery exemplified by 50 consecutive patients]

BACKGROUND

In recent years there has been a rise in robotic techniques and approaches regarding hernia repair with extraperitoneal mesh placement.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the first 50 patients who underwent robotic ventral hernia repair between May 2019 and November 2020 at the department of general surgery of the Kempten Clinic was performed.

RESULTS

This case series consisted of 36 incisional hernias, 12 primary hernias (8 umbilical and 3 epigastric hernias in combination with a diastasis recti abdominis as well as 1 Spigelian hernia) and 2 parastomal hernias. A complete closure of the hernia was achieved in all cases. Extraperitoneal mesh placement in the retromuscular or preperitoneal space was achieved in 98 % of the ventral procedures. We used an extraperitoneal approach with retromuscular mesh implantation (r-eTEP= robotic enhanced view total extraperitoneal plasty) in 22 cases, 3 of those along with a transversus abdominis release (r-eTAR= robotic extraperitoneal transversus abdominis release) and 26 operations were carried out transperitoneally. These included 11 preperitoneal (r-vTAPP= robotic ventral TAPP), 7 retrorectus (TARUP= robotic transabdominal retromuscular umbilical prosthetic hernia repair) and 1 intraperitoneal onlay mesh placements (r-IPOM= robotic intraperitoneal onlay mesh) as well as 7 transperitoneal transversus abdominis releases with retromuscular mesh placement. The 2 parastomal hernias were treated with an intraperitoneal 3D funnel mesh. After the initial treatment of smaller hernias the indications could be rapidly extended to complex hernias in 38 % of this case series. One conversion to an open operation was necessary due to technical problems in closing the posterior rectus sheath. The complication rate was 12 % and the reintervention rate 4 %.

CONCLUSION

Robotic surgery of ventral hernia is safe and effective. Even complex hernias can be treated minimally invasively with closure of the hernia defect and extraperitoneal mesh placement.