AB200. SOH26AB_0106. Retrieval of surgical drain and repair of incisional hernia 9 years after robotic surgery: a case report and review of literature

Background: All surgery can result in complications, some more frequent than others. Unintentional retention of surgical drains is rare, and patients may present with infection, abscess, fistula, or chronic inflammation. The natural history of long-standing retained drains without clinical sequelae is not well described. The rate of incisional hernia after robotic prostatectomy is 1.5%.

Case Description: We report the case of a 73-year-old male with a progressively enlarging paraumbilical incisional hernia following robotic prostatectomy performed in 2016. Oncological follow-up, including serial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and clinical assessment, was satisfactory. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen/pelvis 9 years postoperatively demonstrated a 15 cm × 20 cm incisional hernia containing two lengths of retained surgical drain. Apart from the presence of the hernia, the patient remained asymptomatic without obstructive symptoms. Elective open incisional hernia repair with sublay composite mesh was performed. Both retained drains were removed easily, and redundant skin was excised. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated, with no seroma, infection, or early recurrence.

Conclusions: This case demonstrates a rare example of successful management of long-term retained intra-abdominal drains and incisional hernia formation following robotic prostatectomy.

Keywords: Robotic prostatectomy; retained drains; mesh repair; postoperative complication; case report