The Future of Hernia Repair: Why Surgeons Are Turning to Robotics
The world of surgical procedures is undergoing an amazing transformation. For a long time, the most common method to fix the internal parts of our body was traditional open surgery. In this procedure, doctors usually need to make bigger incisions to access the inner parts and repair them. Though the results were good, the recovery time is long. However, to achieve even better results, experts researched and developed less invasive procedures. Today, we are at the edge of this progress as robotic-assisted surgery has come into play, which is a revolutionary technique that has increased the standards of health care, especially in cases of complex procedures like hernia repair.
You may wonder how the combination of human skill and robot accuracy makes it the new gold standard. Let’s find out why the fast-paced world is embracing the technology, especially with the future of hernia repair.
About robotic surgery
The first thing one should know about robotic surgery is what it is and how it is done. The robot doesn’t operate on its own. It is a highly advanced, minimally invasive method, but the surgeon has full control. The surgeon sits at an advanced console and controls the robotic arms by watching a high-definition, 3D image of the surgical location. The robotic arms are equipped with all necessary tools to operate on the surgical site. The surgeon guides the robotic arms with his hand movements, and the robot arms execute those movements exactly. They can perform even a delicate movement inside the patient’s body.
Let’s consider them as an extension to the hands of the surgeon, which can provide better precision and a wider range of motion. This technology makes complex procedures easy.
The Clear Advantages of a Robotic Approach
The move made by experts involving robotic technology in surgical procedures influenced both the surgical process and the patient’s recovery journey.
Exceptional precision and vision—the 3D-HD camera provides a crystal-clear view of the surgical area. It helps the surgeon to differentiate even the smallest nerves and tissues with high detail. The tools attached to the robotic hands can bend, turn, and reach far beyond what a human hand can do and access. Thus, it helps the surgeon to dissect the hernia with absolute precision and place/implant the surgical mesh accurately.
Minimal pain and scarring—the incision made to perform an open surgery is much larger compared to invasive procedures like robotic hernia repair. The incisions made during invasive procedures are smaller, which means less muscle and tissue damage, resulting in less post-operative pain and smaller scars that are hardly noticeable.
Reduced risk of complications—these less invasive surgeries can be performed by making smaller incisions, which contributes to a lesser risk of post-surgical wound infections and less blood loss during the procedure.
Quick recovery—returning to normal life quickly is the most significant benefit for patients who undergo robotic hernia repair. The recovery time is significantly less compared to open surgery because the surgery is minimally invasive, the hospital stay is reduced, and the patient returns to daily activities in a shorter time and in a more comfortable way.
Which type of hernia can be repaired with robotic technology?
The robotic technology in surgical procedures is so flexible that it can help to treat almost all types of hernia problems. Here are the most common types treated with this method successfully:
- Inguinal hernias—these types of hernias are observed in the groin area.
- Femoral hernias—these types of hernias are observed in the upper thigh/outer groin.
- Umbilical hernias—these types of hernias are observed near the belly button.
- Incisional hernias—these types of hernias usually develop at the site of a previous surgical scar.
- Hiatal hernias—these types of hernias occur when the upper stomach bulges through the diaphragm.
Doctors carefully evaluate extremely large or complex hernias and suggest the best treatment option. Robotic repair might not be suitable for certain hernia problems. So consulting an experienced hernia surgeon who has hands-on experience with robotic procedures is highly important to know whether you are a candidate. A major surgery like hernia repair depends on certain factors like the patient’s overall health, size, location, and the characteristics of the hernia and any previous surgeries.
Preparing for a Successful Robotic Surgery
Before undergoing surgery, nurture yourself; it helps with quick and safe recovery. If you are a good candidate, you should focus on your health for at least two weeks before the procedure. Here are some tips:
Improve your nutrition—start with a balanced diet that is rich in lean proteins and low in fats; it provides your body with the necessary nutrients that contribute to tissue healing.
Keep moving—follow a fitness routine that includes, e.g., jogging, swimming, or aerobics, to maintain your body fitness.
Stop smoking—the nicotine in smoking products slows down the healing process and also doubles the risk of complications. Quitting smoking before and after the surgery is the best thing you can do for your health.
Manage your health conditions—if you have any other medical problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure that they are under control.
Recovery from robotic hernia repair
The road to recovery is not the same; it differs for every patient. However, recovery following a robotic surgery is quick and smooth, which has made it a preferred technique these days for many patients. Usually, patients are discharged within 24 hours following the surgery. In rare cases, with a few exceptions, they might require a longer stay.
After surgery, your surgeon will certainly give you the do’s and don’ts, and it is advised to start getting back to your normal activities slowly. Within a few days, you may be able to do light exercises and return to your desk work. On the other hand, it is strictly recommended to avoid heavy work and lifting heavy objects until the doctor clears you. It takes a few weeks to heal the tissues surrounding and integrate with the mesh.
The Horizon of Surgical Innovation
Robotic hernia repair is becoming a common practice and is rapidly becoming standard care; it is no longer a futuristic concept. Along with the progress of technology, more surgeons are getting trained and practising this method, making it accessible to even more patients. The top medical centres in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and various other cities in India are progressively implementing this technique, delivering the outcomes to their patients.
If you have a hernia, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best hernia surgeons in Hyderabad, and he can help you with the best treatment option for your hernia problem. Call +91 91777 77715 to schedule an appointment and discuss whether robotic hernia repair is the best solution for your problem.
