Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Robotic and Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair in Africa: Current Adoption, Challenges, and Future Horizons.
By Falola A et al.·2026·University of Ibadan College of Medicine·View original on Europe PMC →
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Plain-English summary
Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgery done around the world, but in Africa, the use of laparoscopic techniques (a less invasive method) is still quite limited, with only a small percentage of these surgeries being performed this way. While robotic surgery is starting to be used in some countries for other types of procedures, there haven't been any reported cases of robotic inguinal hernia repairs yet. The slow adoption of these advanced surgical methods is due to several factors, including the high costs, lack of training opportunities for surgeons, and differing opinions on their necessity in areas with fewer resources. However, there is hope as more focus is being placed on training, research, and making the necessary tools more accessible, which could lead to better surgical outcomes in the future. Overall, while there are significant challenges, efforts are being made to improve the situation.
Abstract
Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures performed globally. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) is recognized globally to be effective and safe, with advantages over open surgery, but its implementation across the African continent has been slow, with only 12 countries reporting implementation, and only 3.3% of inguinal hernia repairs in sub-Saharan Africa performed using laparoscopic techniques. Robotic surgery, although still emerging within the continent, with around 20 robots primarily used in urology across South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Angola, and Tunisia, no reports of robotic inguinal hernia repair currently exist. Progress, however, is being observed with the growing interest from surgical societies, private-sector robotic expansion, and humanitarian missions introducing mesh-based and limited laparoscopic procedures. Limitations include the low global utilization of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for hernia repair despite guideline recommendations. This has been attributed to training challenges, steep learning curve, and limited evidence of benefit for bilateral and recurrent hernias. African-specific challenges include costs, inadequate training opportunities, surgeon preference, ongoing debates regarding its necessity in low-resource settings, lack of institutional support, and resource prioritization for other MIS procedures such as cholecystectomy and prostatectomy. Despite ongoing challenges, investments in research, training and cost-effective equipment, increased availability of mesh, and integration of humanitarian hernia missions into national training systems, can enhance adoption and contribute to better surgical outcomes for patients. This narrative review presents the present state of robotic and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in Africa, as well as the current challenges, and recommendations to improve adoption.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41938185