Robotic Assisted Hernia Repair in Four Nordic Countries - Status and Challenges

Abstract

Introduction

Hernia is a prevalent medical condition affecting millions of individuals globally. The lifetime risk of undergoing inguinal hernia repair is 27% for men and 3% for women [1]. One in 10 patients will develop an incisional hernia after previous surgery, 1 in 20 will develop an umbilical hernia and up to 50% of all patients with a stoma will develop a parastomal hernia. Consequently, hernia repairs are among the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide and even minor improvements can significantly impact healthcare [2].

Traditionally, hernia repair surgery has been conducted using open or laparoscopic techniques.

However, recent registry and single-centre studies have shown that robotic-assistedhernia repair has emerged as a promising alternative, providing benefits such as improved precision, reduced invasiveness, and better outcomes in terms of less pain, fewer wound complications and a shorter length of stay [3–5]. Therefore, the integration of robotic hernia surgery represents a significant opportunity to improve surgical practice and patient experience. Regardless of how promising the tools are, active surveillance is necessary, and the already established hernia registries such as the Danish and Swedish Hernia Registers provide the basis to do so.

In Nordic countries, the adoption of robotic-assisted hernia surgery is increasing, although more slowly compared to other nations. Several challenges persist in the implementation of robotic-assisted hernia repair procedures [6].

To address these challenges a self-organised group of hernia experts from four Nordic countries decided to convene and discuss the future of robotic-assisted hernia surgery from a clinical perspective. The aim of the meetings was to review the current literature and discuss the potential benefits, challenges, and considerations associated with the adoption of robotic-assisted hernia surgery in their countries.