Transabdominal preperitoneal robotic inguinal hernia repair

Inguinal hernias are commonly encountered at the time of radical retropubic prostatectomy. Concurrent inguinal hernia repair and prostatectomy is well described for the open and traditional laparoscopic approach. Robotic prostatectomy is the fastest growing treatment of prostate cancer. Concurrent robotic prostatectomy and robotic inguinal hernia repair has not been previously described. We recently performed such a procedure and describe our technique and impressions of this approach in this paper. The robotic surgical system allowed for the secure and efficient closure of the large transabdominal peritoneal flap following the preperitoneal placement of the mesh prosthesis. The robotic operating console provides the surgeon with a more comfortable, ergonomic position than is possible in a traditional laparoscopic approach. Robotic inguinal hernia repair is feasible immediately following robotic prostatectomy and may have certain advantages over alternative techniques.