Robotic Surgery for Hernia: A Modern Approach

Overview

A hernia is a medical condition characterised by the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening or weakened muscle wall in the body. It can result in a visible bulge or lump, often accompanied by discomfort or pain. Hernias can occur in various locations, such as the abdomen, groin, or diaphragm, and they may require surgical intervention to repair the weakened area and reposition the displaced tissue or organ.

Proper treatment and medications help to manage the symptoms of the disease. These bulges slip inwards when the body is in a relaxed position. Surgery is one of the highly opted ways to cure hernia. Different types of surgeries are used to get rid of the situation. These days, robotic hernia surgery is the choice of doctors for its precision and high chances of success.

Causes and Symptoms of Hernia

Mentioned below are the causes and symptoms of the disease that help in deciding the timely treatment of the disease:

Causes

• • Surgery
  • Standing for longer hours
  • Heavy weight lifting
  • Pregnancy

Symptoms

• • Bulges
  • Pain
  • Chest pain

Surgeries for Hernia

The primary and highly opted method to treat hernia is surgery. The surgery helps to heal the issue and avoid its reoccurrence permanently. The main aim of the surgical procedure is to push the bulged portion inside and avoid interfering with the working of other organs and their tissues. A barrier in the form of mesh is situated with the help of the surgery.

• • Open Surgery– Also called the open hernia repair, the surgery involves an incision in the groin region and pushing the bulged portion back into the abdomen. The abdominal wall is strengthened with the help of stitches to prevent the recurrence of the issue.
  • Laparoscopic Surgery– This form of surgery is a minimally invasive one. The surgery involves the insertion of a laparoscope with a camera at its top. A small incision is made in the lower abdomen to insert the laparoscope and other required surgical tools. The camera sends the images on the screen to identify the surgical site. Carbon dioxide inflates the abdomen to create space for the camera to display proper and precise images. The surgery is performed with the help of the images and then is wrapped up with stitches closing the incisions.
  • Robotic Surgery- Robotic surgery has revolutionised the treatment of hernias, offering patients a minimally invasive and highly precise option. A surgeon controls robotic arms equipped with specialised instruments through a console during robotic hernia repair. This allows for greater dexterity and precision compared to traditional surgery. Small incisions reduce scarring and speed up recovery. The robotic system provides 3D visualisation and real-time feedback to enhance accuracy. Patients experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to normal activities. Robotic surgery particularly benefits complex hernias, providing a safer and more effective alternative to conventional open surgery.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery for Hernia Repair

Dr Balasubramaniam Ramana, Consultant-General Surgery and Robotic Surgery at RN Tagore Hospital, Kolkata, tells us the advantages of robotic hernia surgery. Mentioned below are some of the advantages of robotic hernia repair that are highly appreciated by surgeons:

• • Three-Dimensional Images– One of the biggest advantages of robotic surgery compared to minimally invasive surgery is the display of images. The laparoscope displays a 3D image, providing more clarity and precision of the surgical site. Hence, the surgery is a helpful option for treating hernias and other complicated medical issues.
  • Minimally Invasive- Small incisions reduce trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in less pain, lower risk of infection, and quicker recovery.
  • Less Blood Loss– A major advantage of robotic surgery is less loss. Robotic arms can move easily in compact and tight spaces. It helps the surgeon operate even in the narrowest spaces easily and without causing much damage to nearby tissues, leading to low blood loss.
  • Precision and Dexterity- Robotic arms can make precise movements and access challenging areas with greater dexterity than human hands.
  • Real-time Feedback- Surgeons receive real-time feedback on tissue response and vital signs, enhancing safety and accuracy.
  • Reduced Scarring- Smaller incisions result in minimal scarring and a more cosmetically appealing outcome.
  • Shorter Hospital Stays- Patients typically spend less time in the hospital and recover faster, returning to normal activities sooner.
  • Lower Complication Rates- Robotic surgery has been associated with lower complication rates than open surgery.
  • Complex Hernia Repair- Ideal for repairing complex or hard-to-reach hernias, including recurrent hernias.
  • Improved Patient Outcomes- Robotic-assisted surgery often enhances patient satisfaction and outcomes.
  • Customised Approach- Surgeons can tailor the procedure to the patient’s needs, optimising results.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during a sudden health concern.

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  • Best doctors in kolkata
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Conclusion

Robotic hernia surgery is a new concept but has been highly adopted by surgeons with a high success rate. The surgery has multiple advantages and is also helpful for patients for faster recovery and fewer hospital stays.

FAQ

Q. What is a hernia?
A part of a weak muscle or tissue bulging outwards and visible is known as a hernia.

Q. What are the advantages of a robotic hernia surgery?
A. Some advantages of robotic hernia surgery include less blood loss, quicker recovery, and fewer incisions and scars.

Q. How does robotic hernia surgery work?
A. Robotic hernia surgery involves a surgeon using a robotic system with specialised instruments and 3D imaging. They control robotic arms from a console, making precise incisions, dissecting tissue, and suturing hernias through small openings, resulting in minimal scarring and faster recovery.

Reference Links

• • https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/hernia-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15757-hernia
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17968-robotic-surgery-for-hernia-repair