Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal vs robotic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: Assessment of short- and long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed to compare short- and long-term outcomes between laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (L-TEP) and robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (R-TAPP) inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

Patients were classified into two groups: L-TEP and R-TAPP. The groups were case-matched in a 1:1 ratio based on age, gender, and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

Out of 86 patients, 43 patients were matched in each group based on the study criteria. Demographics were comparable between the groups. Operative time was significantly longer for the R-TAPP compared to L-TEP (129.1 ± 47.2 min vs 92.5 ± 28.3 min; P < .001). VAS scores at 24 hours after surgery were significantly higher in the L-TEP compared to R-TAPP (36.8 ± 20.1 vs 20.3 ± 18.7; P < .001). Total hospital costs were 4778$ for R-TAPP and 3852$ for L-TEP.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrates similar long-term postoperative outcomes and recurrence rates between robotic and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in a case-matched fashion.