Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare outcomes of robotic inguinal hernia repair (RIHR) in patients under and over 70 years old, performed by a fellowship-trained robotic surgeon at a single institution.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing robotic primary transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair between 2020 and 2022 was conducted. Patients were categorized into two age groups: those under 70 years and 70 years and older. Data were collected through chart reviews with a mean follow-up of 30 days. Concurrently, a systematic review (SR) of relevant high-level literature was carried out.
Results: Among the 37 patients studied, 75.7% (n = 28) were male, with a mean age of 64.8 years. Demographic features did not significantly differ based on age groups. Patients > 70 years had a higher incidence of reported complications (52.3% vs. 87.5%, p < 0.461). There were no differences in operative time or length of stay between the groups. In the SR, only 23.7% (n = 9) of studies provided age-related conclusions. Three studies identified age over 70 as a risk factor for postoperative complications, while two studies suggested that RIHR is feasible and safe in patients aged 80 years and older.
Conclusion: Patients over 70 years old demonstrated a higher incidence of complications compared to younger patients. However, current literature indicates that the robotic approach may offer a safe and minimally invasive option for inguinal hernia repair in both younger and older adults.
Keywords: Age groups; Inguinal hernia; Postoperative complications; Robotic surgery.
© 2024. The Author(s).