Have you ever heard of robotic hernia surgery?
Hernia, a common health concern, may require surgical treatment. Nowadays, with cutting-edge technology and advancements in medical procedures, there are different approaches to surgery. The treatment for hernia started with traditional open surgery, which progressed to laparoscopic techniques, an invasive surgical procedure involving small incisions into the body to treat a hernia.
Robotic hernia repair for minimally invasive surgery is also becoming increasingly popular. Yes, you read that right — robotic. No, you are not left at a machine’s mercy, well, not entirely. In robotic hernia surgery, the surgeon sits at the console and controls the robotic arms that perform the surgical procedure.
So, is robotic hernia surgery the right option for you? Continue reading this blog to learn all about this procedure.
What is Robotic Hernia Surgery?
Robotic hernia surgery is a fairly newer procedure for repairing hernias.
Usually, there are two common options: open hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair. In open hernia repair, a cut is made in the groin to discover the sac which has the bulging intestine. Once the sac is found, the surgeon pushes the hernia back into the abdomen, followed by the application of stitches or synthetic mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall.
In a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon makes minor incisions in the lower abdomen to insert a thin tube with a small video camera attached, known as a laparoscope. The television screens in the operating room receive images of the inside of the body, which helps doctors perform the procedure after inflating the abdomen with a harmless gas. Stitches or surgical tape are used in the end after the procedure is complete.
Robotic surgery is performed in a manner similar to the laparoscopic technique with the help of a camera. From small incisions to tiny cameras to inflation of the abdomen to images on the television screen — laparoscopic surgery and robotic hernia surgery share some features. The only difference is that the surgeon is seated at a console during robotic hernia repair, where he handles the surgical instruments as well. Therefore, the robotic procedure is efficient for smaller hernias; it is also effective in rebuilding the abdominal wall.
Pros & Cons of Robotic Hernia Repair
Like every procedure, robotic hernia surgery has pros and cons of its own.
Benefits of this procedure include:
- Less trauma and pain
- Allows more complex work
- Shorter hospital stays
- Tiny scars rather than a single large one
Robotic hernia surgery comes with drawbacks as well, which include:
- The surgeon needs experience beforehand since the switch to robotic surgery can be challenging to get used to
- The procedure might take longer
- Difficulty in placing mesh prosthesis
- Expensive
Robotic Hernia Surgery Recovery Time
You might be wondering what the recovery time for robotic hernia surgery looks like. After the procedure, there are 2 to 4 weeks of activity restrictions. Therefore, you may not be allowed to lift more than 15 LBS. Moreover, activities such as running, jumping, and straining are forbidden too. You can, however, resume normal activities and work within several days following the surgery.
Conclusion
In short, robotic hernia surgery is a relatively new technique to repair a hernia in which the surgeon uses a console to control the movements of robot arms and perform the procedure. At Nova Bariatrics, we offer the best treatments for hernias and other medical conditions. Dial (469) 639-0953 to book an appointment with us.