Characterizing Stray Energy Injuries During Robotic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Stray energy transfer from monopolar instruments during laparoscopic surgery is recognized as a cause of potentially catastrophic complications. The investigators have published multiple studies on the varied mechanisms of stray energy transfer during laparoscopic procedures. In addition, a preliminary study by the investigators has confirmed stray energy transfer during robotic surgery in an in vivo model. However, there are no data available on the potential clinical impact of stray energy in robotic surgery. Furthermore, there are no studies directly comparing stray energy transfer between laparoscopic and robotic procedures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess for thermal injury due to stray energy transfer during elective laparoscopic and robotic inguinal hernia repairs.

HYPOTHESIS: The Investigators hypothesize that thermal injury to the skin surrounding the working ports occurs during robotic and laparoscopic procedures. Based on prior data, the Investigators hypothesize these injuries will occur more frequently at the camera port during laparoscopy, and at the assistant port during robotic surgery.

METHODS: The Investigators plan to conduct a prospective, randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic or robotic unilateral inguinal hernia repair. Patients will be randomized into two groups, with one group undergoing laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique and a second group undergoing robotic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP technique) with the Xi DaVinci System (Intuitive, Sunnyvale, CA). The monopolar instrument will deliver via standard instruments on 30W coagulation mode (ForceTriad electrosurgical generator, Covidien, Boulder, CO). At the completion of the procedure, skin biopsies will be taken at each of the three port incisions. These samples will be examined for visual and histologic evidence of thermal injury by a blinded pathologist.

IMPORTANCE: This will be the first study to demonstrate clinical evidence of tissue injury due to stray energy transfer during robotic surgery. The inclusion of a laparoscopic arm will allow confirmation of prior study findings as well as direct comparison of stray energy transfer in both modalities. This information can then be used to define surgeon modifiable factors that can reduce the risk of patient injury. In addition, these data can guide the development of future robotic and laparoscopic platforms.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients will be recruited in the general surgery clinic once the presence of an operable, inguinal hernia has been identified.
• All patients with a unilateral, symptomatic, inguinal hernia, and
• Who are surgical candidates for a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Exclusion criteria

• Under 18 years,
• Emergent hernia repairs,
• Recurrent hernias,
• Bilateral hernias, and
• Incarcerated bowel.