Robotic-assisted approach for complex inguinal hernias

Abstract

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair was introduced in the early nineties as a minimally invasive alternative to the classic Lichtenstein repair. Over the decades, minimally invasive approaches have demonstrated both postoperative benefits and easy replicability. Robotic inguinal hernia repair has been shown as a safe alternative to laparoscopic repair. Furthermore, due to technical difficulties, complex inguinal hernia repairs (scrotal hernias, incarcerated hernias, recurrent hernias, mesh removal, and previous pelvic surgery) are a relative contraindication for laparoscopic repairs. In this article, we highlight the advantages of the robotic approach for complex cases of inguinal hernia.