Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal vs robotic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: Assessment of short- and long-term outcomes.

Background: In this study, we aimed to compare short- and long-term outcomes between laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (L-TEP) and robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (R-TAPP) inguinal hernia repair.

Methods: Patients were classified into two groups: L-TEP and R-TAPP. The groups were case-matched in a 1:1 ratio based on age, gender, and body mass index (BMI).

Results: Out of 86 patients, 43 patients were matched in each group based on the study criteria. Demographics were comparable between the groups. Operative time was significantly longer for the R-TAPP compared to L-TEP (129.1 ± 47.2 min vs 92.5 ± 28.3 min; P < .001). VAS scores at 24 hours after surgery were significantly higher in the L-TEP compared to R-TAPP (36.8 ± 20.1 vs 20.3 ± 18.7; P < .001). Total hospital costs were 4778$ for R-TAPP and 3852$ for L-TEP.

Conclusions: The current study demonstrates similar long-term postoperative outcomes and recurrence rates between robotic and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in a case-matched fashion.