Abstract
Background and Purpose:
The incidence of incisional hernia after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has not been described previously. We report our prospective data in an attempt to identify factors that may predispose to this important complication.
Patients and Methods:
The information contained in our prospectively collected RARP database was used to assess the incidence and predisposing factors for incisional hernia post-RARP in a single surgeon series of 250 patients.
Results:
The incidence of incisional hernia in our series was 4.8% (12 of 250 patients). Statistical analysis demonstrated a higher rate of incisional hernias in patients for whom the supraumbilical incision for specimen retrieval was closed with a continuous, rather than interrupted suture. Incisional hernia is associated with a significantly longer length of hospital stay.
Conclusion:
Urologists should be aware that incisional hernia is an important postoperative complication after RARP. Closure of linea alba with a nonabsorbable suture using an interrupted technique may help to minimize the incidence of this morbid complication.
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