Robotic-assisted hiatal hernia surgery with the da Vinci system: A 2-year experience in a single institution

Studies reporting on the recurrence rate after laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias (HH), including anatomical asymptomatic recurrence, are scarce. So far, the impact of telematic surgical approach in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is still obscure. In this prospective study, we analyzed the da Vinci Intuitive Surgical robotic system for antireflux surgery. In August 2012, we set up a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic telerobotic surgery using the three-arm da Vinci system. Optimal trocar positions, operating and setup times, conversion rate, intraoperative complications, and perioperative morbidity, as well as mortality rate, were analyzed.