LAUSR

Undoubtedly, the use of meshes has dramatically reduced recurrence rates following primary inguinal hernia repair; however, recurrences still occur with an incidence ranging from 0.5 to more than 20%, depending upon various factors that include hernia and patient characteristics, applied surgical technique and mesh characteristics, and surgeon's experience. The repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia sets a challenge for the hernia surgeon to prevent not only new recurrence, but also other complications. The challenge becomes even bigger in cases of re-recurrent inguinal hernias. The aim of this study is to present our early experience with the application of robotic system in the repair of re-recurrent inguinal hernias. From January to December 2022, five male patients with re-recurrent inguinal hernias (two patients with two previous repairs, one with three and one with four previous repairs) were operated in our Center using the robotic system Da Vinci X. In all cases robotic TAPP was performed and an extra-large (measuring 12×17cm) heavy-weight polypropylene mesh was implanted. All patients were discharged from the hospital on the first post-operative day. Their postoperative course has been uneventful, without any evidence of early or late complications, including recurrence. Robotic-assisted repair of re-recurrent inguinal hernia is safe and feasible. The advantages of the surgical robotic system and more specifically, the magnified and three-dimensional view of the surgical field, as well as the increased maneuverability of the instruments permit the efficient treatment of this demanding subtype of inguinal hernias.