Robotic Technique for Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM)

Abstract

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with intraperitoneal mesh remains an accepted and evidence-based technique for ventral/incisional hernia (VIH) repair. The robotic surgical platform has some potential advantages compared to traditional laparoscopic instrumentation for VIH repair including, but not limited to, additional degrees of motion, three-dimensional imaging, a stable operating construct, preferred ergonomics, and relative ease of intracorporeal suturing. This chapter will cover patient selection criteria and operative technique for robotic-assisted VIH repair with intraperitoneal mesh. Specifically, the chapter will detail the equipment and operating room setup, patient positioning, trocar placement, docking, dissection, defect closure, and mesh placement and fixation strategies for robotic-assisted VIH repair with intraperitoneal mesh.