Early postoperative outcomes in a retrospective propensity score-matched comparison of robotic extended totally extraperitoneal (r-eTEP) and extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) repair for ventral hernia.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>The extended totally extraperitoneal technique (eTEP) is a novel approach for ventral hernia repair. This technique has been recently advanced using robotics (r-eTEP). The aim of this study is to perform a comprehensive analysis of the initial results of r-eTEP and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique compared to the eTEP technique.<h4>Methods</h4>This is a monocentric retrospective study of patients with ventral hernias who underwent surgery via eTEP or r-eTEP in our department between 2019 and 2023. Propensity score matching was applied to compare the groups. Preoperative patient and hernia characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes were subsequently analysed.<h4>Results</h4>Patient demographics were comparable between the groups. The r-eTEP group had a significantly greater proportion of M3 hernias (p = 0.006), M4 hernias (p = 0.020), incisional hernias (p = 0.002), and hernias with rectus diastasis (p < 0.001). The r-eTEP group had a significantly larger hernia defect (p = 0.003) and larger mesh size (p = 0.015). The r-eTEP group had a shorter hospital stay (p < 0.001) and shorter operative time, though not statistically significant (p = 0.211). Intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as postoperative pain, were comparable between the groups.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The findings of the present study show that the r-eTEP technique may offer potential benefits as the overall hospital stay was shorter while intraoperative and postoperative complications were comparable for both techniques.