Incisional hernia outcomes in laparoscopic versus robotic surgeries
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Incisional hernia outcomes in laparoscopic versus robotic minimally invasive colorectal surgeries: a retrospective cohort study.
IRAS ID
361899
Contact name
Julie Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 24 days
Research summary
The present study aims to address this gap in the literature by directly comparing the incidence of incisional hernia following laparoscopic and robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries in a range of colorectal surgeries: hemicolectomy (right, extended right and left), anterior resection (high and low), and Hartmann’s procedure. Given that robotic-assisted surgery has been shown to overcome certain technical limitations of laparoscopy, such as improved dexterity, enhanced three-dimensional visualisation, and greater manoeuvrability, it is hypothesised that robotic-assisted colorectal surgery may be associated with a lower incidence of incisional hernia compared to laparoscopic surgery. In addition to evaluating incisional hernia rates, this study will assess other post-operative complications and healthcare burdens associated with both techniques. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare these two minimally invasive modalities in terms of incisional hernia outcomes in a range of colorectal surgeries.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0138
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion