Surgical techniques: Hernias: Robot-assisted ventral and incisional hernia repair

Abstract

The da Vinci robotic laparoscopic incisional hernia repair with intracorporeal closure of fascial defect and circumferential suturing of mesh may offer an alternative to current fascial closure and transabdominal sutures and tackers. The robotic repair method uses intracorporeal primary closure of fascial defect with a running O-absorbable suture, followed by underlay mesh fixation using a continuous running, circumferential, nonabsorbable suture. It can be performed quickly and safely. Pain control and hospital stay experiences seem similar to standard laparoscopic approaches; however there may be a decreased incidence of chronic suture site pain/discomfort. Further evaluation is needed and long-term data is lacking to assess the benefit to the patient.