Do you have a painful lump or bulge that does not disappear when lying flat or applying pressure? If so, you may have a hernia.
Hernia surgery used to be lengthy and difficult, but not anymore. Thanks to advances in surgical technology, surgeons can now perform hernia repair through tiny incisions. Contact Robotic Hernia Surgery now!
A hernia forms when a weakness or preexisting opening in muscle or tissue allows an organ or other tissue to push through. Sometimes, this weakness is present from birth, but most often, it is the result of straining or pressure over time. Common risk factors include a job that requires heavy lifting or many hours of standing, chronic coughing, allergies or sneezing, and chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements. Surgery can often prevent the hernia from getting worse, but it may be too late to save the impacted tissue once it has become trapped in the hernia sac.
Hernias are very common, especially in men. Some aren’t even noticeable until it becomes painful or causes complications. Many hernias don’t cause symptoms and can go on for years without being repaired, however, most will need to be surgically removed at some point. Hernias can be serious and are much more likely to become a hernia emergency than not, so it’s important to get them checked out as soon as you notice them.
If you have a hernia, your healthcare provider will probably advise lifestyle changes and wearing a restraining belt during activities where the hernia could be strained. They might also prescribe pain relief and suggest you take it easy for a while until your hernia has completely healed.
A hernia can cause severe pain and if it’s not treated, the section of the intestine may become trapped and strangled in the muscle gap (hernia incarceration). This is a life-threatening condition that needs to be evaluated and treated immediately.
Surgery can repair hernias by restoring the function of the abdominal wall. This will usually require stitching and using mesh to support the area. Surgery typically takes less than 30 minutes for a simple hernia and can take five hours or longer for complex procedures. The hernia repair will take place inside the abdomen through a few small incisions. Your surgeon will use the Da Vinci System to maneuver the robotic arm, ensuring they have a 3D high-definition view of the surgical site and can precisely move the instruments.
Preparation for Surgery
In addition to preparing physically by following surgery preparation instructions, it’s important for patients to mentally and emotionally prepare. Understanding what to expect during a hernia repair procedure and taking steps to handle the emotional components of surgery can help ease anxiety about treatment.
During robotic hernia repair, the surgeon performs surgery through a console that controls small instruments inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. The surgeon has a high-definition, 3D view of the hernia and can move the console’s arms in a way that mimics hand movements. Some surgeons compare operating the console to playing a piano—it feels intuitive to them.
This surgery type is a less invasive option than traditional laparoscopic hernia surgery. Some people who have hernias in their groin may be candidates for robotic hernia surgery, but it depends on several factors, including the doctor’s experience and the type of hernia. Some hernias are better suited for other surgical methods, such as laparoscopic or open surgery, based on size, location, previous repairs and whether the hernia is a recurrent hernia.
Robotic hernia surgery requires less recovery time than other types of hernia repair, but activity restrictions depend on the extent of the hernia repair and the surgeon’s advice. For minor repairs, most patients are able to return to work and their normal routine within a few days, but they should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting until cleared by the doctor.
For larger hernias, surgeons use mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce the risk of the hernia returning. The mesh is placed on top of the muscle layer, below the muscles or in the muscle layer itself. For some hernias, mesh is used in combination with stitches.
The night before your hernia repair, make sure to take a shower with special antiseptic soap and wear loose, comfortable clothes that can accommodate a bandage or dressing. Also, remember not to smoke or eat anything (including gum, mints and hard candy) after midnight because these can increase the risk of complications. It’s also important to bring all your insurance cards and a government issued ID such as a driver’s license.
During Surgery
There are a few things you’ll need to do before your surgery, including testing for any blood or kidney conditions and stopping certain medications. Your doctor will also give you specific instructions regarding food and drink. Most hernia surgeries are outpatient procedures, so you’ll be able to go home after a few hours in the recovery area. You may still be groggy from the anesthesia, so you should plan on having someone drive you home.
During hernia repair, your surgeon will make a few small incisions near the site of your hernia. They will insert the robotic instruments through these incisions. The surgeon will be seated at a console where they can view the 3D high definition image of the inside of your body. They will use master controls that function like forceps to manipulate the robotic arms, which perform the actual surgery. The surgeon can then close the hernia using a combination of stitches and hernia mesh.
The robot allows doctors to perform surgical techniques that would require larger incisions with a lower risk of complications. This is especially helpful for hernia repair techniques that involve a lot of sewing and dissection, such as abdominal wall reconstruction or bowel resection. A recent study showed that patients who underwent robotic hernia repair had shorter hospital stays and less pain after surgery than those who underwent traditional open surgical repairs.
Robotic hernia repair may also allow surgeons to discover and repair occult hernias that ultrasounds and exams did not find. These hernias are more difficult to fix with a traditional procedure.
There are some risks to robotic hernia repair, but these risks are very low when the procedure is performed by a qualified practitioner. The most common risks include injury to nearby tissues or organs, problems emptying your bladder (you may need a catheter for a short time), hernia recurrence and a rare condition in men and people assigned male at birth that can cause pain in the testicles and infertility.
To help prevent these problems, your doctor will likely encourage deep coughing after the surgery. Coughing helps expand the lungs and reduce the risk of pneumonia and other breathing difficulties.
Post Surgery
Millions of Americans develop hernias every year, and some require surgical repair. The hernias occur when organs or fatty tissue protrude through weak areas in the muscles of the abdominal wall. If the hernia is large enough, it can cause pain, discomfort or heaviness in the abdomen or belly.
Traditional open surgery requires a long hospital stay and a painful recovery, but robotic hernia repair has been shown to reduce complications and shorten recovery times. The robotic procedure is less invasive because the surgeon works through two or three small incisions, rather than a single large one. Patients can resume more vigorous activities sooner after hernia repair using robotic techniques than those who undergo traditional open surgery.
During robot-assisted hernia surgery, the surgeon sits at a console, which provides a high-resolution 3D view of the area to be operated on. The console also translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise movements of tiny instruments through small incisions. This allows the surgeon to avoid cutting and damaging healthy tissue, reduce blood loss, and repair hernias quickly.
Most people feel some degree of post-surgery pain and soreness around the hernia site, which can be managed with non-prescription pain medication. Some people are able to stop taking pain medications within a day or so after their operation.
As with any surgical procedure, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions after hernia repair to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of recurrence or other complications. Rest and gentle exercise are helpful for preventing stiffness and encouraging healthy circulation. It’s usually safe to resume light activity a few days after surgery, and you can gradually increase your exercise intensity as the recovery period progresses.
Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that’s low in fatty foods and spicy foods to prevent irritating the surgical site. It’s also a good idea to drink lots of water and take stool softeners to promote healthy bowel function. Most people can resume normal work and other activities after a few weeks of recovery, but it’s important to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard.