Hernias occur when fatty tissue or an internal organ protrudes through a weak spot in muscle or abdominal wall. In some cases, the hernia can become incarcerated or strangulated-requiring immediate surgery.
Traditional open hernia surgery requires large incisions that result in more pain and a longer recovery. However, advances in surgical technology now allow for hernia repair surgery using a minimally invasive technique called robotic surgery. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Robotic Hernia Surgery.
A hernia forms when part of your stomach pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall. If it is large, it can cause heartburn or acid reflux into your esophagus. Traditionally, hernias are repaired through open surgery, which involves a large incision and often requires a lengthy recovery period. Fortunately, hernia repair can now be performed with minimally invasive technology that allows surgeons to work through small incisions.
With this technique, surgeons use a robotic system with small instruments to perform hernia repairs. This provides a much more precise and less invasive surgical approach, which is better for patients because it can reduce recovery time.
During the procedure, your surgeon will sit at a console and view a 3D high-definition camera that delivers a crystal-clear view of the area being operated on. He or she will then introduce miniaturized instruments into the hernia site through tiny incisions. These robotic arms then translate the surgeon’s hand movements into precise movement of the instruments to close and repair the hernia in the muscle wall.
Because the hernia is repaired with smaller incisions, it can heal faster, which reduces inflammation and pain. In addition, hernia patients experience a shorter hospital stay than those who undergo traditional surgery and are typically discharged within days.
Robotic hernia surgery can also be used to treat a hiatal hernia, which is a condition in which the upper portion of your stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into your chest cavity. A hernia of this type can irritate your esophagus and lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing. A hernia repair operation using the rTAPP procedure can also help with these symptoms by restoring the integrity of your abdominal wall.
In addition, a balanced diet can fuel your body with the energy it needs to recover from hernia surgery. You should avoid fatty, oily foods and instead choose lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Regular exercise can also help your body recover from hernia surgery and improve your overall health. Whether you’re considering hernia repair or another procedure, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your options and make an informed decision.
More Precision
During robotic hernia surgery, surgeons make small incisions and insert a 3D high-definition camera to provide a clear view of the hernia site. The system then uses advanced robotic arms that are controlled by the surgeon to manipulate tissues for hernia repair. This increased precision improves surgical outcomes and decreases the risk of complications such as recurrence or infection.
The robotic arms can bend and rotate, which gives surgeons an expansive range of motion and greater dexterity than their human counterparts. This flexibility allows doctors to perform complex and delicate maneuvers during hernia repair. It also increases the accuracy of hernia repairs, which reduces the likelihood of tissue damage or scarring.
Robotic hernia surgery requires smaller incisions, which helps reduce hernia pain, inflammation and recovery time compared to traditional hernia repairs. It also allows patients to return to work and other activities more quickly, boosting quality of life and increasing patient satisfaction.
Before robotic hernia surgery, doctors typically perform a number of tests and examinations to ensure the patient is healthy enough for the procedure. This includes blood work, imaging and a consultation with an anesthesiologist to help minimize the risk of complications during surgery. Doctors also may advise patients to adjust their medications prior to surgery. Certain drugs, such as blood thinners, may need to be temporarily stopped or adjusted in dosage to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
During hernia surgery, surgeons place small tubes, known as trocars, in the abdominal wall through which they insert a camera and two other instruments. The surgeon then sits at a console and controls these instruments with a sensitive controller that translates his or her finger and hand movements into movement of the robotic arms. This real-time translation of the surgeon’s movements allows for precise manipulation of hernia tissues without causing more damage to surrounding muscles and tissue. It also filters out the natural tremors that can occur in the surgeon’s hands, which can impair precision during delicate surgical procedures. In addition, the robotic arms can maneuver in ways that are not possible with conventional surgery techniques, such as using their curved tip to repair a smaller hernia incision.
Less Complications
During the surgical procedure, surgeons use a console to direct robotic arms with precise movements. This minimizes hand tremors and allows for more accurate placement of mesh reinforcement in the abdominal wall, which reduces complications compared to traditional open surgery. In addition, the robotic system provides greater visualization and maneuverability than traditional laparoscopy.
Unlike traditional hernia repair, which requires large incisions, robotic hernia surgery uses smaller incisions to access the area containing the hernia. Moreover, the Da Vinci robot’s surgical instruments have a greater range of motion than the human hand, making it easier to manipulate delicate tissue without damaging surrounding structures.
When hernias are left untreated, they may develop into complex hernias. Complex hernias are more difficult to treat because they can cause permanent damage to the muscle and tissue in the abdominal wall. This can lead to pain and discomfort, as well as the hernia returning or worsening over time. Robotic hernia surgery can prevent hernias from becoming complex hernias by restoring the strength of the abdominal wall and strengthening the tissue in the area.
Prior to hernia surgery, patients should undergo a series of pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess whether they are a good candidate for this minimally invasive option. These include blood work, a medical history, and imaging. The results of these assessments can help identify any health issues that could increase the risk of complications during hernia repair surgery. They can also help identify any medications that will need to be adjusted before hernia repair surgery.
During hernia surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts thin instruments and a camera into the body. The Da Vinci robotic system then translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise movement of the instruments. The doctor can perform hernia surgery while sitting, reducing physical stress and fatigue during the operation. Following hernia surgery, patients should rest for a few weeks before gradually increasing their activity levels over time. They should also attend periodic follow-up appointments to ensure that they are recovering properly.
Faster Recovery
Hernia surgery, like any medical procedure, can be disruptive to your daily routine and require a long recovery period. Fortunately, minimally invasive hernia repair techniques are becoming increasingly popular and offer patients faster and more comfortable recoveries. One of the most effective new technologies is robotic-assisted hernia surgery. This cutting-edge procedure is less invasive than traditional hernia repair and requires a much shorter hospital stay, allowing you to get back to your regular activities in just a few weeks.
During robotic hernia surgery, your surgeon sits at a console that controls tiny instruments and a camera inserted through small incisions. The surgeon’s hand movements are translated into precise movements by the da Vinci robotic system, which bends and rotates the instruments as needed to perform hernia repair. Your surgeon can see a high-definition 3D image of the damaged area, so precision is key. This technology also allows surgeons to perform operations with fewer incisions, reducing complications and postoperative pain.
In a recent study of 510 inguinal hernia repairs, the results showed that robotic surgery is associated with lower rates of complications and a shorter hospital stay than laparoscopic or open surgical repair. However, this is only the first study of its kind. It will take time to determine whether robotic hernia surgery actually improves outcomes and should be adopted into general clinical practice.
If you’re considering hernia surgery, speak with an experienced doctor about your options, especially the minimally invasive robotic hernia repair technique. This cutting-edge option is a safe, effective treatment for inguinal, umbilical, and ventral hernias, and it can reduce your risk of recurrent hernias.