You may or may not have heard about robotic surgery. This innovation has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its many benefits over traditional open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Also known as robotic-assisted hernia repair, “robotic hernia surgery” is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a robotic system to help perform the surgery.
All About Robotic Surgery
The term “robotic surgery” may conjure images of a surgeon sitting down, pressing a button, then leaving for coffee while the machine goes to work. Not quite! In an actual robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a console near the patient and robotic instruments are placed inside the patient through special ports or trocars. Using precise hand controls, the surgeon then moves the robotic arms to perform the surgery. The viewfinder which the surgeon places their head in provides a magnified, 3D view of the surgical site.
Benefits of Robotic Hernia Surgery
The three primary benefits of robotic hernia surgery are that it is less invasive, more precise, and usually leads to faster recovery times than traditional surgeries.
Less Invasive
Robotic hernia surgery is less invasive than traditional open surgery and requires smaller incisions and results in less tissue damage, which means less pain and scarring. It also allows for surgery on much larger hernias for which laparoscopic techniques may not be sufficient to treat.
Precise
The robotic system provides the surgeon with articulating instruments with 6 degrees of motion a d the ability to reduce tremors and unintended movements. This allows for more precise movements and easier repair of more difficult hernias.
Faster Recovery
Because robotic hernia surgery is less invasive than traditional open surgery, patients typically experience less pain and a faster recovery time. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.
If you suspect you may have a hernia, our Hernia Experts can help. To set up a consultation or to learn more, please call us at (212) 305-5947 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to answering your questions and meeting your hernia care needs.