Robotic hernia repair

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.

Minimally invasive management of de Garengeot hernia with staged robotic hernia repair

De Garengeot hernia is a rare phenomenon describing the migration of the appendix into a femoral hernia sac. Many repair strategies have been described although an open inguinal approach with suture repair is the most common technique. Despite strong evidence that mesh limits recurrence, most forgo mesh use in the presence of appendicitis for fear of contamination. We report a case in a 68-year-old man managed completely with minimally invasive strategies. We performed a staged laparoscopic appendectomy followed by robotic hernia repair with polypropylene mesh. This is the first described two-stage minimally invasive approach and the first report demonstrating the feasibility of robotic hernia repair in the setting of de Garengeot hernia. It is our opinion that using a staged approach may encourage mesh repair by minimising the risk of implant contamination. Furthermore, we believe a fully minimally invasive technique may result in improved outcomes.

Robotic inguinal hernia repair (rTAPP) – A series of 300 cases

Objective While inguinal hernia repair using mesh is the recommended standard for most patients, minimal invasive techniques experienced a prolonged process until broad acceptance and sufficient expertise. Lately, a reluctance towards the integration of robotic hernia repair as a standard procedure is observed in Europe compared to the US. Nevertheless, robotic technology is a powerful tool for increasing quality in standardized procedures. We present a large case series of inguinal hernias repaired by robotic surgery. Methods All consecutive patients receiving a robotic inguinal hernia repair with a transabdominal approach (rTAPP) in the first 18 months (May 2018 up to October 2019) after introduction of the DaVinci Xi system at our institution were included in this study. Results Overall, 302 groin hernias in 225 patients were operated in the defined period. 77 patients presented with bilateral hernias. Mean age of patients was 58.7 years, 87.6% were men. Mean BMI 25.5kg/m2. Nearly half of all operations were teaching operations making use of the available double consoles. While in the first 6 months only 20.0% of operations were teaching procedures, the rate increased to 60.3% in the last 6 months of the observation period. While overall 35.6% of procedures were performed as day-surgery, the rate varied over the course of the study with 35.6% in the first 6 months, 46.0% in the second and 33.3% in the last 6 months. Operation time was 82.6min. (range 40-186) with 72min. (range 40-186) for unilateral repairs and 101.3min. (range 52-169) for bilateral repairs. Further subgroup analysis showed that in bilateral repairs in primary hernias teaching vs. no-teaching operations differed only marginally in time (108.9min., range 66-149 vs. 91.6min., range 52-159). Follow-up data was available for 93.8% of patients. There were no cases of recurrence; two patients experienced postoperative pain lasting more than 30 days. Seroma was observed in 8.9%, haematoma in 4.4% cases. Urinary retention occurred in 3.6% of patients, PE in 0.4%, DVT in 0.4%, epididymitis in 3.1%. Conclusion Robotic inguinal hernia repair is an outstanding and safe procedure. The operative accuracy of the system is impressive. The availability of two consoles makes it an ideal teaching tool, allowing to train residents in inguinal hernia repair, in a high standard of safety and with good outcomes.

Reconstruction of the Abdominal Wall with Mesh II: Ventral Hernia Repair

Incisional and Ventral hernia repair (VHR) is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world, and over the last two decades this field has enjoyed exponentially advances thanks to improvements in operative technique and biomechanical science. Truly complex hernias which are multiply recurrent, have active infections, loss of domain, presence of stomas, require component separation or panniculectomy, or have other exacerbating factors are truly challenging to manage operatively, and the multidisciplinary operations to repair them have become known collectively as abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Herein, we describe the surgical history of AWR, the current state of surgical techniques and mesh science, as well as novel areas for advancement of the field in the future. In particular, a focus on patient specific clinical outcomes such as hernia recurrence, wound complications, and quality of life has been made with regards to mesh position and selection. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive review of the state of the literature and our recommendations for AWR, for the Plastic, General, and Hernia surgeon alike. This review contains 7 figures, 3 tables, and 79 references. Keywords: ventral hernia repair, incisional hernia, abdominal wall reconstruction, mesh, pre-peritoneal hernia repair, pre-operative optimization, clinical outcomes, mesh position, surgical site infection, robotic hernia repair

Reconstruction of the Abdominal Wall with Mesh I: Component Separation Techniques

Truly complex hernias which are multiply recurrent, have active infections, loss of domain, presence of stomas, require component separation or panniculectomy, and/or have other exacerbating factors, are truly challenging to manage operatively, and the multidisciplinary operations to repair them have become known collectively as abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Component separation techniques and panniculectomy, to name a few, have become commonly used techniques for operative management for complex hernias. Herein, we describe the history and technical aspects of component separation, panniculectomy and other adjunct techniques in abdominal wall reconstruction. In particular, a focus on patient specific clinical outcomes such as hernia recurrence, wound complications, and quality of life has been made in regards to use and types of component separation. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive review of the state of the literature and our recommendations for AWR, for the Plastic, General, and Hernia surgeon alike. This review contains 7 figures, 1 video, 1 table, and 79 references. Keywords: ventral hernia repair, incisional hernia, abdominal wall reconstruction. component separation, transversus abdominis release (TAR), surgical site infection, advances in hernia repair, robotic hernia repair, robotic component separation, botulinum toxin