Robotic-assisted compared with laparoscopic incisional hernia repair following oncologic surgery: short- and long-term outcomes of a randomized controlled trial

J Robot Surg. 2023 Feb;17(1):99-107. doi: 10.1007/s11701-022-01403-y. Epub 2022 Mar 30.

Abstract

Background: Patients with abdominal site cancer are at risk for incisional hernia after open surgery. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted (RVIHR) with the laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) in an oncologic institute.

Methods: This is a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial. Patients were randomized into two groups: RVIHR and LVIHR.

Results: Groups have similar baseline characteristics (LVIHR: N = 19; RVIHR: N = 18). No difference was noted in the length of hospital stay (RVIHR: 3.67 ± 1.78 days; LVIHR: 3.95 ± 2.66 days) and postoperative complications (16.7 versus 10.5%; p = 0.94). The mean operating time for RVIHR was significantly longer than LVIHR (RVIHR was 355.6 versus 293.5 min for LVIHR; p = 0.04). Recurrence was seen in three patients in LVIHR and two in RVIHR at 24-month follow-up, with no significant difference. (p > 0.99).

Conclusion: Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted incisional hernia repair show similar short- and long-term outcomes for cancer patients.

Keywords: Herniorrhaphy; Incisional hernia; Minimally invasive surgical procedures; Robotic surgical procedures.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Hernia, Ventral* / surgery
  • Herniorrhaphy / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Incisional Hernia* / etiology
  • Incisional Hernia* / surgery
  • Laparoscopy* / adverse effects
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures* / methods
  • Surgical Mesh