Initial Experience with Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair in the Adolescent Population

Abstract

Purpose: There is no one standard procedure encompassing the needs and differences of the entire pediatric population for inguinal hernia repair (IHR). Several techniques can be used, including open repair, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair. This is a report of a single pediatric hospital's experience performing robotic-assisted IHRs in an adolescent population. Methods: Robotic IHRs performed by the pediatric surgery department were prospectively captured and reviewed. The operation performed was a modified robotic transabdominal preperitoneal approach with ProGrip mesh. Results: Between January 2016 and August 2020, 11 robotic-assisted IHRs occurred. All patients were male, median weight interquartile range (IQR) was 76.6 kg (67.425-90.4 kg) and median age (IQR) was 17 years (17-18.5). All together median (IQR) total operative time was 111 (97.5-126) minutes, median (IQR) total console time was 60 (55.5-75.5) minutes. There were no complications or conversions, with all patients discharged on the day of the operation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a safe and reliable approach to repairing inguinal hernias using robotics through a small initial case series. Robotic-assisted IHR should be considered a viable technique to optimize the surgical care of adolescents.

Keywords: adolescent; inguinal hernia; pediatric surgery; robotic.