Comparing Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted versus Conventional Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair

Introduction. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for anti-reflux and hiatal hernia surgery is becoming increasingly prevalent. The purpose of this study was to compare hospital length of stay and outcomes of robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. Methods. A retrospective review was conducted of 58 patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic (n = 42, 72.4%) or conventional laparoscopic (n = 16, 27.6%) hiatal hernia repair. Results. Patient characteristics and comorbidities were similar between groups. The robotic-assisted group had a significantly higher use of fundoplication (81.3% vs. 38.1%; p = 0.007). Complications observed between the robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic groups were pneumothorax (6.3% vs. 11.9%, p = 1.000), infection (0% vs. 4.8%, p = 1.000), perforation (0% vs. 2.4%, P=1.000), bleeding (6.3% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.479), ICU admission (31.3% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.119), and mechanical ventilation (18.8% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.60). There were no reported complications of dysphagia, DVT/PE, MI, or death in either group. Hospital length of stay was similar for robotic vs conventional patients (3.0 vs. 2.5 days, p = 0.301). Conclusions. This study’s data showed robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repair has comparable outcomes to conventional laparoscopic repair