Robotic-assisted compared with laparoscopic incisional hernia repair following oncologic surgery: short- and long-term outcomes of a randomized controlled trial

Background Patients with abdominal site cancer are at risk for incisional hernia after open surgery. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted (RVIHR) with the laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) in an oncologic institute. Methods This is a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial. Patients were randomized into two groups: RVIHR and LVIHR. Results Groups have similar baseline characteristics (LVIHR: N = 19; RVIHR: N = 18). No difference was noted in the length of hospital stay (RVIHR: 3.67 +/- 1.78 days; LVIHR: 3.95 +/- 2.66 days) and postoperative complications (16.7 versus 10.5%; p = 0.94). The mean operating time for RVIHR was significantly longer than LVIHR (RVIHR was 355.6 versus 293.5 min for LVIHR; p = 0.04). Recurrence was seen in three patients in LVIHR and two in RVIHR at 24-month follow-up, with no significant difference. (p > 0.99). Conclusion Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted incisional hernia repair show similar short- and long-term outcomes for cancer patients.