Compared to laparoscopic and open surgery, robotic hernia repair is minimally invasive. The surgeon makes three small cuts in the abdomen and has a 3D view with the robot’s dual cameras.
Pre-operative evaluations help identify any medical issues that can affect surgical outcomes or cause complications post-surgery. Then, doctors can effectively plan the surgery. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Robotic Hernia Surgery.
Robotic hernia surgery uses specialized surgical tools to perform the operation through small incisions. It builds on laparoscopic techniques, but enables greater flexibility and precision. Using this advanced technology, surgeons can repair your hernia with less pain and discomfort, resulting in a quicker recovery period.
Your doctor will conduct pre-surgical tests to evaluate your general health, blood work and any underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of hernia surgery. During this time, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss the procedure and its benefits.
In robotic hernia surgery, your doctor can make small incisions of about 3 centimeters or less. Then, they can place mesh to support the hernia. This mesh will prevent future hernias from forming. Afterward, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures.
After your surgery, you will need to rest in the hospital until the effects of anesthesia wear off. During this time, your nurse will monitor your vital signs. Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to care for the wounds and take medications.
You can return to light activities after a few days, and normal work duties in about 4-6 weeks. The exact timeline will depend on your job and how quickly you heal. For patients who work in a physical occupation, hernia surgery can allow them to resume their usual duties sooner.
Robotic hernia surgery offers an additional benefit that’s not available with traditional surgery: primary fascial closure (bringing together the strong tissues of your abdominal wall) in over 90% of cases, compared to only 50% with standard laparoscopic hernia surgery. This improved closure can significantly reduce your risk of recurrence.
The specialized instruments used in robotic hernia surgery are more flexible than the chopstick-like tools used in laparoscopic hernia repairs. The robotic system’s dual cameras offer stunning high-definition views that are magnified 10 times larger than the human eye, providing incredible depth perception. Consequently, the surgeons can place mesh precisely where it needs to be, without compromising other delicate structures. The ergonomics of the robot are also very user-friendly. The surgeon operates the console from a seated position, which helps avoid fatigue during longer procedures and filters out natural hand tremors to allow more precise movements.
Fewer Scars
Many people put off hernia repair surgery due to concerns about pain and long recovery times. However, hernias can cause significant and dangerous health issues if left untreated. Robotic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive option that provides patients with the benefits of faster recovery and improved outcomes.
During hernia robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a console and is able to view a magnified, high-resolution 3D image of the area that needs to be operated on. Miniaturized surgical instruments are then inserted through small incisions (under an inch each) that allow the surgeon to operate with precision and control. The surgeon’s hand movements on the master controls are immediately translated into precise movements of the robotic arms, allowing the surgeon to achieve closure and hernia repair with minimal tissue damage and blood loss.
In addition, the robotic system can be introduced into a space where no prior surgeries have been performed and therefore is less likely to require extensive adhesiolysis, which is more common with laparoscopic hernia procedures. This is particularly important in patients with a history of recurrent hernias or a bowel injury from previous hernia surgeries.
Studies have shown that robotic hernia repairs are comparable to results from traditional open hernia repair, with fewer complications such as postoperative pain, recurrence of the hernia and rehospitalization. While these studies are promising, further research is needed to evaluate long-term patient outcomes.
The minimally invasive technique also has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of keloid scarring, which is an unsightly and sometimes painful type of scar that forms in the skin over an injury. Several hernia specialists believe that the increased dexterity of robotic hernia surgery allows for more precise suture placement, which in turn helps prevent the formation of keloid scars.
While robotic hernia surgery is a safe and effective procedure, it is not right for everyone. It is important to consult with an experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Iskandar, to determine if this approach is a good fit for you. For those patients who are interested in reducing their risk of developing hernias in the future, hernia prevention strategies can be implemented, including weight loss, smoking cessation and regular exercise.
Shorter Recovery Time
With robotic hernia surgery, patients often experience a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods. This is due to the exceptional precision offered by the surgical robot, which minimizes damage to surrounding tissues. Additionally, the surgeon has better visibility thanks to a high definition 3-D camera, which enables them to work more efficiently. As a result, this allows the patient to begin healing faster, and return to their regular routines more quickly.
Following hernia surgery, it’s important to take the time to properly recover in order to prevent complications such as delayed healing. This means prioritizing rest, hydration, and tuning into your body’s signals to manage pain effectively. It also means avoiding strenuous activities at first, but gradually reintroducing them as you heal.
In addition to this, it’s vital to follow hernia surgery instructions from our team, including proper wound care and avoidance of certain foods or medications. We recommend exploring alternative methods of pain management, such as meditation and gentle exercise under the guidance of your doctor.
The majority of hernia surgery patients can expect to return to their normal activities within 4-6 weeks, but this may vary depending on the specifics of your case. Many people who have hernias put off getting treatment for fear of the recovery process, but robotic hernia repair is a great option for those looking for a less painful and lengthy recovery time.
Michael Kenler, a former competitive snowboarder, underwent robotic hernia repair for his large ventral hernia and was back skiing the California Sierra slopes just a month after his procedure. He says he’s grateful he didn’t put off hernia repair, as it has given him the freedom to resume his active lifestyle and enjoy all that life has to offer.
Interested in learning more about robotic hernia repair? Our experienced doctors can evaluate your hernia and discuss your options for repair. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Less Pain
Millions of Americans develop hernias, and many require surgical repairs. Traditional surgeries can be invasive, long and painful, and often cause significant scarring. However, newer robotic techniques offer patients a less invasive procedure with shorter recovery times and less pain.
During robotic hernia surgery, surgeons make three small incisions and use a camera to view the area and place instruments. The abdominal cavity is inflated with gas, allowing the surgeon to work in a space that would be difficult or impossible to access through traditional methods. This reduces hernia repair complications such as incisional hernias, shortens the recovery time and lowers the risk of infection.
The da Vinci robot at Cayuga Medical Center offers a high-definition 3D camera and a console that feels very intuitive to the surgeon. The system allows the surgeon to make more precise movements and reduces the amount of tissue damage, which decreases post-surgical pain and increases the likelihood of a successful hernia repair.
Hernias recur in two to three percent of all cases, but this is usually due to poor diet and exercise, smoking, or age. At Copper Mountain Surgical, we encourage a healthy lifestyle to help prevent hernia recurrence and promote healing. We also recommend maintaining a good weight, engaging in strength exercises as directed by the surgeon, eating a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation, and avoiding heavy lifting.
After a successful hernia repair, patients should resume normal activities as soon as possible. Walking is encouraged to increase blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots in the operated area. Lifting restrictions may be necessary for one to two weeks after hernia surgery, but patients can resume their daily activities much sooner than with traditional procedures.
The benefits of hernia surgery include a speedier recovery, less pain and discomfort, and fewer visible scars. Many people experience a more rapid return to normal activities and report feeling stronger, more energetic, and more confident after hernia surgery than with conventional methods.