Hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release (hrTAR) for complex ventral hernias: a systematic review and preliminary synthesis.

TL;DR

Hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release (hrTAR) for complex ventral hernias combines robotic posterior component separation with planned limited open surgery. Systematic review of three reports (85 cases) found hrTAR appears feasible with low mortality/recurrence and variable surgical-site outcomes, but evidence remains exploratory.

Key findings

• Surgical-site outcomes heterogeneous across studies: 4–5% surgical-site outcome rates in two reports versus 25% in another (including seroma and wound infection)
• Mean length of stay ranged 1.8–3.7 days (weighted mean 2.9 days); one propensity-matched comparison showed shorter hospitalization and lower 30-day surgical-site complications with hrTAR versus open TAR
• No perioperative deaths or hernia recurrences reported, though follow-up was limited
• Evidence base limited to three reports with potential institutional overlap; standardized prospective multicenter trials with longer follow-up needed before wider adoption

Why this matters at the bedside

Describes emerging hybrid robotic technique for complex ventral hernia repair, relevant for surgeons evaluating minimally invasive component separation strategies. Current evidence supports feasibility in selected patients but does not yet support preference over conventional approaches.