What you need to know about robotic hernia repair

A hernia is when an internal part of the body, like an organ, pushes through a weakness in the muscle or tissue wall and then can be felt through the skin, mostly occurring around the abdomen and groin. Surgery is often required in order to put the herniated organ back in its place and to reinforce the muscle barrier where it had pushed through. Traditional methods of repairing hernias require large incisions, a long time to perform the surgery, and a long convalescence period for the patient. However, robotic assistance is an emerging innovation that can change how surgeries are performed. We spoke to an expert surgeon in hernias about why robotic hernia repair is better than a traditional surgical procedure.

Why use robots in surgery?

Robotic surgery has the benefit of high levels of precision. The robots are equipped with small, specialised instruments attached to deft, flexible limbs. These factors ensure that the procedure is as accurate and minimally invasive as possible, reducing the size of the incisions needed and the potential for blood loss complications.

What does a robotic hernia surgery involve?

The surgery is done under general anaesthetic and can take between 30 minutes to more than five hours, depending on the severity of the hernia. The surgeon will make three to four small incisions, and in one of them, the surgeon will insert the laparoscopic camera so that they can see around the inside of the body, which may need to be inflated with a harmless gas for more visibility. The robot can then begin the surgery to put the organ back and repair the msucles. Hernia repairs often employ the placement of a mesh to reinforce the muscle that the hernia poked through, and the robotic assistance can make sure that placement is optimal to prevent reoccurrence without too much strain on the tissue. The surgeon will then seal up the incisions.

What are the benefits of robotic hernia surgery?

The technology is still fairly new, with the first use of robotic assistance for hernia repair surgery in 2007, but they have quickly become a common presence in operating theatres. Robots have unlimited stamina, and have a grander range of motion than what two human hands can execute, meaning that they’re perfect for complex procedures that call for a lot of manoeuvrability. As there is no one big incision cut, the wound will heal faster and leave behind minimal scarring. The robots do not act independently but are operated by a trained surgeon in the theatre, and there should also be a specialised team in robotic surgery to assist. Most patients are ready to go home within a day, but when they can return to normal activities will differ from case to case.

All the standard risks of surgery still apply, such as reaction to anaesthesia, hematomas, injury to other tissue and organs, infection at the incision site, and the hernia may reoccur. Overall, robotic hernia repair is an attractive option for patients as it prioritises their comfort and recovery process, while also alleviating some of the strain of performing the procedure for surgeons.

If you are suffering from a hernia and seeking treatment, book an appointment with a specialist via Top Doctors.