Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic (rTAPP) Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract

There are over 1 million hernia repairs performed annually in the US. Robotics is revolutionizing the adoption of minimally-invasive hernia repairs lately. For 20 years, in spite of the literature supporting the benefit of laparoscopic minimally-invasive repairs, only 25-30% of all hernias were performed laparoscopically. From 2015 to 2018, robotic laparoscopic hernia repairs have explosively grown from less than 2% to 20% of all hernia repairs performed in the US. Hernia repairs are among the most basic procedures for general surgeons, and there is substantial enthusiasm on the part of surgeons regarding the rapid changes in techniques as well as the best methods of teaching them. Surgical training programs may find it difficult to maintain training for their residents and fellows in the face of rapidly evolving technology. Therefore, we present the case of a 28-year-old male with bilateral inguinal hernias that were repaired using a robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach.