Robotic Hernia Surgery—Advantages and Costs in 2026
For decades, hernia surgery was often performed as an open surgery, which involved large incisions, intense pain, and a long recovery. However, the transformation of technology over time, especially in the medical industry, has changed the perception. Introducing robotic surgery has revolutionized hernia repair procedures, offering a minimally invasive path to better outcomes and improved health.
Today, let’s focus on robotic hernia surgery and its cost. There is no doubt that robotic surgery is an excellent choice of treatment for various medical conditions, including hernias. It is gradually turning out to be the first-choice procedure, particularly for repairing complex abdominal hernias. But the question is, can an average person afford this surgery? It is a fact that the robotic procedures are slightly costlier than regular surgical procedures.
Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best robotic hernia repair surgeons in Hyderabad, mentioned during consultation that patients ask numerous questions, such as “Sir, we need robotic surgery, but I am very concerned about its being so expensive. Will I be able to have robotic surgery? Does insurance cover robotic hernia surgery?” Before going into the details of the robotic hernia surgery cost, let us first find out why this surgery is more costly than a standard laparoscopic operation.
Robotic Surgery Vs Laparoscopic Surgery
Both robotic and laparoscopic hernia repair procedures are minimally invasive and require small incisions, so why is there an additional cost if the operation is performed by a robot?
Firstly, the overall equipment cost—comparatively, the technology used in robotic devices is far more advanced, and also the size of the device is robust, making a robot an extremely expensive device; therefore, the hospital’s investment cost in the equipment is high.
The second factor behind the extra cost of a robot is the robotic instruments. The instruments are used for a limited number of surgeries, which means when a new instrument is opened for a robotic operation, it will be usable only for 10 surgeries. Later, the robotic device software will not accept the instrument; even if the tool is still in good condition after 10 uses, the device simply rejects it and stops working.
The device is built in such a way as not to compromise the safety and effectiveness of the surgery. There is no chance of an instrument being used beyond its limit of use. This is how the stability of the surgery is assured. The instruments are disposed of once their usage limit is reached.
This is not the same for a laparoscopic or an open procedure because there is no such software that rejects the instruments used, and they will be used well beyond their recommended lifespan, and at times, this could be even risky for the patient. Moreover, the instruments used in these procedures are not as costly as the instruments used in robotic procedures.
What is the extra cost that a patient has to bear when he/she chooses robotic surgery instead of laparoscopy? The cost varies depending on various factors, though the standard amount is approximately Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000, and this is the extra cost the patients have to bear.
Top 5 advantages of choosing robotic hernia repair
- Enhanced precision
- High-quality 3D visuals of the hernia
- Less post-op pain
- Minimal scarring
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
- Reduced risk of complications and infection
- The best and most effective option for complex and recurrent hernias
Robotic hernia surgery cost in 2026: is it worth it?
So, is it really worth spending that extra money on a robotic procedure if one can have the same operation done through laparoscopy? Definitely, the answer is yes because in a robotic procedure, a surgeon can repair more and more complex hernias with minimal effort. Some of the complex hernias might not be able to be treated by a laparoscopic procedure. In such cases, even the surgeon who starts with laparoscopy may choose to convert it into a traditional open surgery due to its complexity. However, such complex hernias, which require an open surgery, can be given a minimally invasive treatment with the robotic procedures.
Therefore, spending that extra money can:
- Avoid complexity
- Avoid open surgery
- Return to normal life at a phenomenal pace,
- Resume to your work life 10 times faster compared to open surgeries
When you consider these benefits, the extra money you spend on the robotic hernia surgery is reasonable. Furthermore, insurance companies are also covering the expenses of robotic surgery. Nowadays, this information has been widely shared, and many patients are opting for insurance coverage for robotic procedures.
Therefore, when you consider the holistic advantage of robotic hernia surgery, the amount of money or extra money that you pay for a robotic procedure is very fair. For more detailed information, consider consulting Dr. Venu Gopal Pareek, one of the few hernia surgeons in Hyderabad with hands-on experience in performing robotic hernia surgery.
