Implementation of robotic hernia surgery using the Versius® system

This case series aims to demonstrate that hernia surgery is safe and feasible using the Versius (R) robotic system from CMR Surgical, and to describe the surgical techniques used. It is the first series published using this novel system. Forty-one consecutive hernia repair cases were completed using Versius (R), including inguinal and ventral hernias. Data were collected prospectively on a number of pre-, peri-, and postoperative outcomes. Techniques are described for robotic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia, and intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair of ventral hernia. Thirty-two inguinal and nine ventral hernia repairs were performed over a 12-month period. The population were 88% male with a mean body mass index of 27.4 +/- 3.5. There were no conversions to open surgery. Median length of stay was 0 days. Six patients (15%) experienced urinary retention, and there were 2 further minor complications with no major complications, readmissions or reoperations. Use of the Versius (R) system for robotic hernia surgery is safe, with comparable results to existing robotic systems. Implementation is possible with minimal changes to established surgical techniques.