Hernia repair surgery is often necessary to avoid pain, discomfort, and other complications. Fortunately, new and exciting advances, such as robotic hernia surgery, can make the process and recovery time more comfortable.
If you are struggling with a hernia, make an appointment at Arizona Premier Surgery (APS) to discuss your options. In the meantime, you can read through our guide to learn more about three types of surgical repair your doctor may discuss with you.
Hernia Repair Surgery: Is It Necessary?
It’s natural to want to avoid surgery if possible. However, most hernias will need surgery at some point, if not immediately, as they are likely to worsen over time.
Not all hernias are alike, but they do share certain traits. Usually, “hernia” means that an organ or part of your intestine has pushed through the surrounding tissue or muscle. The name of a hernia reflects its location:
- Inguinal: This is the most common type of hernia that refers to a portion of the bowel protruding into the inguinal canal in the inner thigh. It occurs mainly in men.
- Hiatal: This type involves the diaphragm widening far enough for the upper part of the stomach to push through this opening. It is also widespread.
- Umbilical: This type of hernia occurs when part of the intestines push through the abdominal wall around the belly button. It may be present at a baby’s birth.
- Perineal: This hernia, which involves tissue or organs poking through the pelvic floor, is not as common as the other types of hernias.
While hernias differ in severity, ignoring one or putting off hernia repair surgery may have severe consequences. They may grow larger and more painful over time, and they can even cause infection and weaken the muscles that support the herniated area.
Hernia Repair Surgery Options
After you undergo an examination, your physician may recommend the type of hernia repair surgery most appropriate for your case. This decision will depend on the size and location of the hernia as well as the doctor’s area of expertise. Consider the following types of surgery offered by APS.
Robotic Hernia Repair Surgery
An exciting new surgical advancement involves a partnership between physicians and robotic systems that aid in visualizing and operating on the hernia. This type of surgery is minimally invasive — even less invasive than laparoscopic hernia repair surgery — and is quickly becoming an ideal choice for repairing certain types of hernias, such as inguinal hernias.
Robotic hernia surgery is efficient and safe for most types of hernia surgeries, and it’s responsible for fewer readmissions for later surgeries. According to a 2021 review, robotic inguinal hernia repair boasted a low recurrence rate of 1.2% and a readmission rate of 1.6%.
Patients who opt for this kind of hernia repair surgery can often return home quickly and return to their usual activities within a week of surgery. Due to the minimally invasive nature of this procedure, it may be possible to remain awake or only receive local sedation.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery
Laparoscopy, or “keyhole” surgery, is a more minimally invasive procedure with incisions the size of keyholes. In this surgery, a surgeon makes up to four small cuts at the surgical site. After this, the provider uses a minuscule camera attached to a tube to visualize and repair the hernia.
Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery is one of the least invasive and most effective hernia repair surgeries. It has a very low failure rate, and most recurrences, if they do happen, occur within the first seven years of the surgery.
This surgery is easier to recover from than traditional surgery, but it will still take one to two weeks for your body to return to lighter activity. If you have no complications, you can return home the same day you have hernia repair surgery. Laparoscopic surgery indicates less healing time and fewer post-surgery complications overall.
While this may be an option for you, it’s not appropriate for every hernia. If your hernia is in an inaccessible location or is too large or small to operate on in this way, your provider may recommend a different type of surgery.
Traditional or “Open” Hernia Repair Surgery
Traditional surgery may be the type of procedure that first comes to mind when you think of “surgery.” It involves a surgeon making an incision, operating on the hernia, and stitching the incision back together. It is a more intense procedure, both for the provider and the patient, but it is an excellent option for repairing hernias that other options cannot.
Traditional surgery can be quite successful, with success rates between 90-99%. However, the hernia may return if the tissues are weak or you engage in activities that strain the area. Mesh patches that your surgeon uses to repair the tissue can decrease the chance of a relapse.
With traditional surgery, you can expect to need at least a few weeks for recovery, as more of your body needs time to heal. Depending on where in the body the surgery is performed, you may need to stay in the hospital longer so that your physician can monitor your health as you recover.
Arizona Premier Surgery’s Advantage
In addition to our focus on individualizing patient care, we specialize in robotic hernia repair surgery. At your consultation, we can determine your type of hernia, including its location, and tell you whether you would be a good candidate for robotic surgery.
It’s exciting to consider robotic surgery as a treatment option — especially when it may mean less pain, less downtime, and potentially fewer complications. However, it’s important to note that you should discuss with your provider if this type of surgery is appropriate for your type of hernia.
Schedule an Appointment To Discuss Hernia Repair Surgery
Hernias can be painful, and hernia repair surgery options may seem unnecessarily complicated. When you schedule an appointment with Arizona Premier Surgery, you can rest assured that our physicians are well-equipped to explain the details and handle your case with expertise.
Contact us today to learn more about our techniques and treatment options. We look forward to helping you return to a more comfortable life!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15757-hernia
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/hernia-repair-surgery
https://practiceplusgroup.com/knowledge-hub/risks-and-benefits-of-hernia-surgery/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33475236/