Robotic Hernia Repair Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ

WHAT ARE COMMON REASONS FOR ROBOTIC HERNIA REPAIR SURGERY?

Inguinal (groin) hernias

Inguinal hernias account for about 70% of all hernias and occur more typically in men. The inguinal canal is in the groin and holds up either the testicles or uterus. If the canal does not close properly after a man’s testicles descend, this weakens the area and makes it prone to hernias.

Umbilical (belly button) hernias

Umbilical hernias occur in babies under six months old when the intestines create a bulge near the belly button. If an umbilical hernia has not corrected itself by the time the child is a year old, surgery is typically performed.

Ventral or incisional (abdominal wall) hernias

Ventral hernias can occur anywhere in the abdominal wall. Many ventral hernias are caused when a healed incision from a previous surgery causes weakened abdominal muscles and tissue. A ventral hernia may also be caused by a congenital defect that causes the walls of the stomach to be extremely thin.

Hiatal hernias (esophagus, paraesophageal, reflux)

HOW IS ROBOTIC HERNIA REPAIR SURGERY PERFORMED?

Robotic or laparoscopic hernia repair surgery may be performed with general anesthesia. Depending on the size and location of the hernia, most operations take around one hour. Once the patient is ready, the surgeon will make 3 – 4 small incisions and insert the camera so the surgeon can see and repair the hernia. The hernia may be repaired with surgical mesh or sutures to strengthen the muscle or tissue and prevent the hernia from reoccurrence. Compared to traditional open hernia repair surgery, robotic or laparoscopic hernia repair typically causes less pain and recovery time for the patient, as well as improved results.

TRADITIONAL VERSUS ROBOTIC HERNIA SURGERY

While traditional surgery is performed by hand by a surgeon, during robotic surgery, the surgeon stands at a console, controlling a robot that performs the procedure. It may sound incredibly futuristic, but using robots during hernia surgery actually comes with a variety of benefits. First of all, the robot grants the surgeon a greater degree of visibility and accuracy, which leads to less pain during the recovery process. Additionally, these robotic instruments have been known to be capable of much more complex movements than are possible by the human hand. Lastly, due to the smaller incisions and decrease in trauma, patients are typically able to return home much faster and experience rapid recovery times.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER ROBOTIC HERNIA REPAIR SURGERY

Most patients will be able to have their robotic hernia repair surgery on an outpatient basis, meaning, they will only be observed for a few hours before they are released to recover in the comfort of their own home. Patients may feel sore for 1 – 2 days after their surgery but are encouraged to walk as soon as possible after surgery to improve their blood flow for faster healing. Most patients will be able to perform their normal activities within 2 – 3 weeks after surgery but should hold off on exercise or strenuous activity until cleared by their doctor. Patients should schedule a follow-up appointment with us about two weeks after their surgery.

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