The Role of the Robotic Platform in Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery

Inguinal hernia repair is the most commonly performed general surgery procedure in the United States. Despite the prevalence of this procedure, there is no consensus regarding the optimal approach to this surgical procedure. Since the advent of the laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in 1990, there is a growing body of research that has investigated the efficacy of this minimally invasive surgical approach. To date, the laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia repair has proven beneficial in reducing post-operative pain and allowing for earlier return to normal activity versus the traditional open inguinal hernia repair. In addition, the laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia repair has been advocated for recurrent inguinal hernia repairs and bilateral inguinal hernia repairs.

Despite these advantages, however, there are several limitations of the laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Specifically, unstable camera platforms, two-dimensional imaging, rigid laparoscopic instruments, and poor surgeon ergonomics make the laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia repair challenging. Furthermore, the learning curve associated with a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has been prohibitive for many surgeons. Finally, the laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia repair often requires the utilization of some form of fixation device, such as surgical tacks, which have been associated with chronic pain, vascular injury, as well as increased overall cost of the operation. The robotic platform has been shown to help compensate for many of these short-comings of laparoscopic surgery as it provides three-dimensional imaging, improved instrument mobility, articulation, suturing capability (which allows for a more cost-effective procedure with decreased risk of post-operative chronic pain), and surgeon comfort. Because of these reasons, it is important to determine the specific advantages the robotic approach will provide for inguinal hernia repairs.

The laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia repair has proven beneficial in reducing post-operative pain and earlier returns to normal activity versus the traditional open inguinal hernia repair. However, the overall penetrance of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has remained consistently below 20% of all inguinal hernia procedures performed in the United States. The robotic platform provides several potential advantages over the laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair including three dimensional visualization, the ability to suture (rather than tack) the mesh, as well as the ability to suture the peritoneal defect closed. This technological platform could provide earlier adoption and proficiency for surgeons to perform a minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair with improved surgical outcomes. As more general surgeons begin to incorporate robotic surgery into their practice, the robotic platform might provide further improvements in the outcomes of minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair over even traditional laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

The investigators propose a Randomized Clinical Trial comparing the robotic versus laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair techniques. The investigators hypothesize that the robotic approach to inguinal hernia repair will result in improved post-operative outcomes compared to traditional laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs.

Specific Aim #1: To determine if the robotic approach will result in a significant reduction in postoperative pain and earlier return to full function when compared to a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.