Inguinal hernia repair is a surgery to repair a hernia in the abdominal wall of the groin. A hernia is tissue that bulges out of a weak place in the abdominal wall. In some cases, the intestines may also bulge out in the weakened area.
A robotic-assisted inguinal hernia repair is an ideal procedure for patients who have hernia on both sides of their groin. Since one of the incisions is made through the belly button, patients who also have umbilical hernias can have a repair done at the same time.
During this procedure, the surgeon places three ports, one is 12 mm at the belly button and two 8 mm ports on each side of the lower abdomen. Since the robotic instruments are flexible and wristed, dissection in the ceiling of the anterior abdominal wall where the hernias are can be done with ease. During the hernia repair, the bulging tissue is pushed back in. This helps the abdominal wall regain strength. A special 3D Mesh is placed through the 12 mm port for strength support. Since the robotic arms are wristed, the Mesh is placed easily and recovery time is minimal compared to traditional open hernia repair.
How Robotic-Assisted Surgeries are Performed
Through robotic-assisted visualization, dexterity, precision and control, a surgeon can perform a wide array of procedures through small, 1–2 cm incisions. During an operation, the surgeon sits at a console in the surgical suite and directs the robotic arms to perform the surgery. The robot seamlessly and directly translates the surgeon’s natural hand, wrist and finger movements from controls at the console to the surgical instruments inside the patient.
Enabling Surgeons with
- Greater range of motion and precision than with hand-manipulated, minimally invasive procedures.
- A magnified, high definition three-dimensional view when operating.
- Instruments that become an extension of the surgeon’s wrists, hands and fingers to move the tiny surgical instruments in a delicate, precise manner.
Minimally Invasive Surgeries Performed
- Hernia Repair – a procedure to repair bulging tissue in the abdominal wall of the groin or umbilicus (belly button).
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- Less post-operative pain
- Reduced trauma to the body
- Less scarring
- Shorter hospital stays
- Reduced blood loss and need for transfusions
- Quicker recovery and return to normal activities