Lateral-dock single-port robotic-assisted extended totally extraperitoneal plasty (eTEP)-Sublay-Herniotomy-Procedure– presentation of a novel technique for robotic-assisted ventral hernia surgery (with video)

Abstract

Introduction: Robotic-assisted minimally-invasive extended totally extraperitoneal plasty (eTEP)-sublay-herniotomy is one of the most promising novel techniques for the management of ventral hernia. While several techniques for multiport-robotic-assisted eTEP have been described, only very few reports on suprapubic single-port robotic-assisted eTEP-techniques have been published. The technical limitations of this access leave room for further technical development using single-port-robotic systems. Methods: We give a detailed description of our novel lateral-dock single-port robotic-assisted eTEP-procedure (Freiburg approach, FReTEP). Feasibility of the access was demonstrated within a human cadaveric procedure, and two consecutive patients were treated using the FReTEP-procedure. Results: Two consecutive patients were successfully treated without postoperative complications and without early hernia recurrence using the FReTEP-procedure. Conclusion: The FReTEP-procedure is a promising novel technique for single-port-robotic-assisted ventral hernia repair. Further studies are needed to evaluate the novel procedure.