Rectus to defect ratio for estimating the complexity of ventral hernia repair: Is it reliable for robotic surgery?

Introduction: The rectus to defect ratio (RDR) has been previously described as a metric which enables surgeons to estimate the need to perform additional myofascial release (AMR), in addition to open Rives-Stoppa retro-muscular hernia repair. We sought to validate this measurement specifically for patients undergoing robotic totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) hernia repair.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 188 patients who underwent robotic ventral hernia repair via eTEP approach.