Safety and feasibility of single-incision robotic totally extra-peritoneal repair for inguinal hernia using the da Vinci Xi platform: a single-center prospective pilot study

Purpose: This study aimed to report the safety and feasibility of single-incision robotic totally extra-peritoneal repair (TEP) with the da Vinci Xi platform. Methods: We prospectively included patients with unilateral inguinal hernia who underwent elective single-incision robotic TEP between August 10, 2021 and December 12, 2022. The primary outcome was the determination of postoperative complications, and secondary outcomes were quality of life and recurrence rate. Results: Twenty patients were included in this study. The median age of patients was 60 (interquartile range [IQR], 44.8–62) years, and most were male (90%). Eighteen patients had an indirect hernia. The median total operative time was 70 (IQR, 60.5–82.0) min, the median docking time was 5 (IQR, 3.3–6.0) min, and the median console time was 42 (IQR, 30.3–49.8) min. No postoperative complications occurred within six months postoperatively. We observed an upward trend in quality of life, which was low preoperatively, with improvement noted one month postoperatively. During the six-month follow-up period, there were no cases of recurrence. Conclusion: For uncomplicated inguinal hernias, single-incision robotic TEP using the da Vinci Xi platform can be selectively and safely attempted.