Operating Room Setup and Intraoperative Considerations for Robotic Ventral Hernia Repair

Techniques of ventral hernia repair have continued to evolve with the advent of more sophisticated technology. Minimally invasive ventral/incisional hernia repair is associated with less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and fewer wound complications (Deldi G, Ipaktchi R, Wagner M, et al. Surg Endosc. 2006;20:92–5). Robotic approach with articulating instruments may provide an opportunity for repair of larger, more complex hernias in a minimally invasive fashion. It also allows for closure of the fascial defect. This chapter discusses patient selection, operating room setup, instrument selection, patient positioning, and other intraoperative considerations in an attempt to streamline the process of robotic ventral/incisional hernia repair.