Patients that undergo robotic hernia repair often experience less pain, less recovery time, and return to daily activities more quickly. During robotic surgery, a surgeon makes small incisions, using a high definition 3-D camera and specialized instruments.

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Pre-surgery tests and exams are conducted to evaluate the patient’s health and address any potential complications. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Robotic Hernia Surgery.

A hernia is an area of tissue that bulges out into a space in the abdominal wall. The bulge may be painful, and it can cause a loss of bowel function. If a hernia is left untreated, it can become larger and lead to more serious complications.

Hernias are usually easy to diagnose. Your doctor will take a history of your symptoms, and then perform a physical exam. The doctor may be able to see or feel the hernia bulge during the exam, or they might need a CT scan or ultrasound to find out more about the size and location of your hernia.

Many hernias resolve on their own without surgery. A hernia that is causing symptoms such as pain in the abdomen or difficulty when trying to urinate is probably best treated with surgery.

For most hernias, surgery is done through minimally invasive methods, and patients are generally discharged from the hospital on the same day. The most common hernias are a umbilical hernia and a ventral incisional hernia.

The most popular hernia repair is through robotic surgery, an approach that has rapidly gained popularity. Supporters of this technique claim that it has multiple advantages compared to laparoscopic and open techniques. In contrast, critics have highlighted several issues with existing research into the benefits of robotic hernia surgery. For example, most studies have compared recurrence rates of hernias between robotic and laparoscopic approaches but have not taken surgeon experience into account. Moreover, hernia repair robots require a significant learning curve before surgeons can achieve similar results to more established surgical equipment like laparoscopic and open techniques. However, the advantages of this new technology are clear: smaller incisions for faster recovery, less pain and a lower risk of hernia recurrence.

What is Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?

When you receive hernia repair surgery, your doctor will use laparoscopy or another surgical technique that uses small cuts to see inside of your abdomen. With this minimally invasive procedure, 3 small openings (less than 1/2 inch) are made in your abdomen and a thin tube with a camera on the end (a laparoscope) is passed through these openings. Your surgeon can view the area on a video monitor during the surgery.

To find the hernia, your surgeon may first inflate the abdomen with a harmless gas or balloon. This makes the muscle that holds the hernia stronger so they can see it better. A surgeon can then pull the hernia back into the abdomen through its hole in the muscle. This hole can be lateral to the blood vessels (indirect inguinal hernia, left below) or towards the center from the blood vessels (direct inguinal hernia, right below). In both cases, once the hernia is pulled back into the abdomen, your surgeon will place a piece of mesh under the muscle to help prevent future hernias.

Patients who have a hernia that is not reducible can develop serious problems over time, such as bowel blockage (bowel obstruction). This is an emergency because it means the blood supply to the intestine is cut off and the intestine can die.

To avoid this, your surgeon will perform a hernia repair procedure that has proven to be effective in both short and long term (2-4). There are different types of hernia repair procedures including intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair, transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair, and total extraperitoneal hernia repair. All three of these surgeries have different hernia recurrence rates but they are all safe when performed by experienced hernia specialists.

What is Open Hernia Surgery?

During open hernia surgery, the surgeon makes an incision through the skin and body wall. This allows the doctor to directly repair the weakness causing the hernia. The hernia is usually patched with mesh, which helps prevent the hernia from returning. While laparoscopic hernia repair has become the preferred technique, there are still times when an open operation is necessary. For example, smaller inguinal hernias with a hole lateral to the blood vessels (direct inguinal hernia) or towards the center from the blood vessels (indirect inguinal hernia) can only be repaired using an open approach. Larger incisional hernias are also better treated with an open approach.

Typically, hernia patients have either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, which means they’re asleep and don’t feel pain during the procedure. Once the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes a cut in the groin area and removes any herniated tissue. Then the surgeon places a mesh patch over the hernia and sutures it to the abdominal wall.

Once the incision heals, patients are able to return home. They may have a small amount of pain in the groin that can be controlled with medication. However, some people experience chronic groin pain that doesn’t go away. This is a rare complication of hernia surgery that requires specialized medical attention.

The best way to minimize the risk of hernia complications is to avoid putting pressure on your groin after surgery, especially while you’re recovering from an open or robotic hernia repair. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding weight lifting and other activities, and always take any prescribed medications as directed. Also, drink plenty of fluids and eat fiber to prevent constipation and bowel issues.

Who is a Candidate for Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?

In this operation, a hernia is repaired through small incisions (button hole-sized) made in the abdomen. The surgeon inserts a laparoscope connected to a TV camera into one of the incisions and views the hernia and surrounding tissues and organs on the video screen. A mesh is then inserted into the abdomen, covering the hernia defect and helping prevent future herniations. Other instruments are inserted through the remaining incisions to reduce scar tissue, re-tighten muscles and remove any dead or unnecessary tissue from around the hernia.

The surgeon may also place a special ring of mesh around the area to help prevent recurrence. In most cases, a single hernia can be successfully treated this way. Unlike open surgery, the complications of laparoscopic hernia repair are usually minor and do not require an extended hospital stay.

There are a few situations in which the surgeon might have to switch from a laparoscopic procedure to an open one, such as when a patient is extremely obese and hernias are large. In these cases, the surgeon might not be able to see as well through the laparoscope and might need to switch to an open procedure to ensure that hernias are correctly reduced and prevented from returning.

It is important to discuss all of your surgical options with your surgeon before deciding what type of hernia repair is right for you. The ultimate judge of which hernia surgery is superior is the prevention of recurrence and this can only be determined through long-term follow-up studies. In the meantime, both open and laparoscopic hernia repair procedures have excellent outcomes. However, experience and skills are important in achieving optimal results.

How Do I Schedule Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?

During laparoscopic hernia surgery, your surgeon makes small cuts in your abdomen, using a tool called a laparoscope that has a camera on the end. They will then use other tools to repair the hernia or strengthen the abdominal wall, usually by putting a mesh in place. Depending on your type of hernia, the procedure may take one hour or less.

Before your hernia surgery, you’ll receive pre-procedure instructions from your doctor, which will include specifics about what to eat and drink, as well as any restrictions on medications you’re taking. Follow these guidelines, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

You will be under general anesthesia during hernia surgery. After you’ve woken up from the anesthesia, you might be uncomfortable. If so, try non-prescription pain medicines, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, if allowed by your doctor. Putting ice on your incisions can also help reduce post-op discomfort.

Your hernia is a weakness in your muscles that allows tissue or organs, like your intestines, to protrude through the opening. A hernia can cause health complications, including infections and bowel blockages. If a hernia becomes trapped and cut off from blood flow, it’s called strangulation and is a medical emergency.

Anyone can get hernias, but they are more common as you age. Certain activities, such as coughing or straining when you urinate or have a bowel movement, make hernias more likely to form. You can prevent hernias by having your doctor perform hernia surgery to repair any weak areas in the abdominal wall. Hernias often resolve on their own, but if left untreated, they could become incarcerated or strangulated. If this occurs, seek immediate care. A hernia is a life-threatening condition.