“Scarless” Inguinal Herniorrhaphy

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy is widely accepted. Robotic-assisted surgery provides improved 3-dimensional visualization and enhanced dexterity. The purpose of this case series was to demonstrate the feasibility of a modified, robotic, single-site, unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy. TECHNIQUE: Six patients 18 years of age or older with a body mass index <35 provided informed consent and underwent hernia repair with a modified herniorrhaphy technique from January to July 2014. Eight patients were screened and six case experiences are described in this series. The da Vinci Si robot, gel port, and instruments (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California, USA) were used. With the patient in Trendelenburg position, a 25-mm incision was made within the umbilicus. The fascia was incised, and the peritoneal cavity was entered. A robotic cholecystectomy gel port was placed. Robotic instruments were inserted, and the robot was docked. A preperitoneal flap was raised on the affected side with the robotic instruments used interchangeably. The hernia sac was identified and reduced, and the mesh was tacked in place. The preperitoneal flap was tacked back in place. The robot was undocked, the abdomen was desufflated, and the fascia was closed. DISCUSSION: Single-site unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy was performed for 6 patients. All patients were discharged the same day, had good aesthetic results, and experienced no hernia recurrence. Robotic single-site gel port inguinal herniorrhaphy is feasible and appears as safe and time efficient as laparoscopic herniorrhaphy in this small group.