Short-term outcomes of robotic inguinal hernia repair during robotic prostatectomy – An analysis of the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative

Background: Concomitant robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) and robotic inguinal hernia repair (RIHR) has been reported. Nevertheless, data on its safety is lacking and some surgeons avoid performing both operations concurrently due to the potential risk of mesh related complications in the setting of a fresh vesicourethral anastomosis. We aimed to investigate differences in 30-day outcomes between patients undergoing RALP+RIHR and those undergoing RIHR alone. Methods: Patients who have undergone concomitant RALP and RIHR with 30-day follow-up available were identified within the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative. Using a propensity score algorithm, they were matched with a cohort of patients undergoing RIHR alone based on confounders such as body mass index, age, ASA class, smoking, hernia size and recurrent status and prior pelvic operation. The groups were compared for 30-day rates of surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrences (SSO), surgical site occurrences requiring operative intervention (SSOPI) and hernia recurrence. Results: 24 patients underwent RALP + RIHR and were matched to 72 patients who underwent RIHR alone (3:1). Median age was 64 years, 33% were obese and 17% smokers. No significant differences were found on 30-day rates of overall complications (21% RALP + RIHR vs. 15% RIHR, p = 0.53) and surgical site occurrences (12% RALP + RIHR vs.11% RIHR, p = 0.85). No patient in the RALP + RIHR group had a 30-day SSI, SSOPI or early recurrence. Conclusion: RALP+RIHR appears not to result in increased rates of wound complications, overall complications or early recurrence when compared to patient undergoing RIHR alone. Prospective, controlled studies with larger number of patients are needed to confirm our findings.