Robotic Hernia Surgery in Indore

Robotic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedure in which a surgeon controls wristed instruments from a console to repair the hernia through small incisions. This type of surgery is suited for those adults who are fit for general anaesthesia and have inguinal, ventral, or recurrent hernias, among others. Apollo Hospitals, Indore, offers robotic hernia surgery in Indore for patients seeking faster recovery, less pain, and smaller scars than open surgery.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia happens when an organ or fat pushes through a weak spot in the muscles and tissues that hold it in place. Physically, it may look like a lump that appears and disappears depending on your activity or position. The bulge is often more noticeable when you stand, cough, or strain, and it can be uncomfortable. While small hernias may be monitored over time, large hernias require surgery, as they do not go away on their own. 

What Is Robotic Hernia Surgery?

Robotic hernia surgery is a type of robotic-assisted, minimally invasive procedure. The technique is newer and is an alternative to traditional open surgery. While the name can be confusing at first, the robot does not operate on its own or make any decisions about the surgery. Instead, an experienced surgeon controls it from a console near the surgical table and directs the movements of all the instruments. The system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise instrument movements and provides a magnified, three-dimensional view of the area in question.

How Robotic Hernia Repair Works

Robotic hernia repair involves making small incisions in the person’s body through which a tiny scope and camera are inserted. This gives the surgeon a detailed view of the organs on a screen. The abdomen is gently inflated by using carbon dioxide to create more working space. The surgeon then carefully manoeuvres the robot to repair the hernia by stitching the tissue and using mesh to reinforce it. The surgeon closes the incisions with sutures or staples once the repair is complete. 

Types of Hernia That May Be Treated

• Inguinal Hernia: This is the most common type of hernia and occurs when part of the small intestine or tissue pushes through the groin canal.

• Ventral Hernia: This occurs when a bulge or protrusion of abdominal tissue or organs pushes through the front of the abdominal wall.

• Incisional Hernia: A hernia that occurs through a previous incision in the abdominal wall that has weakened over time.

• Recurrent Hernia: These hernias come back again and again, even after earlier repair.

• Other: Other types of hernia commonly treated include umbilical hernia (near the belly button), hiatal hernia (diaphragm), femoral hernia (groin or upper thigh), etc.

Who May Be Considered for Robotic Hernia Surgery?

Robotic hernia surgery can be used on adults who are fit for general anaesthesia with symptomatic inguinal, ventral, or recurrent hernias. Bilateral, complex, and previously operated hernias can also be treated by robotic surgery. However, open surgery may be considered safer for those with a compromised bowel, patients not fit for general anaesthesia, or those with extensive scarring or infection.

Robotic vs Laparoscopic vs Open Hernia Surgery

Evaluation Before Surgery

Assessment usually includes history and examination, often with the patient standing and coughing. If the diagnosis is unclear, ultrasound may be used. CT scanning is often recommended for large incisional or recurrent hernias to define the defect. Age and health status are relevant for blood tests, ECG and other investigations. Consider medications, especially blood thinners. Cessation of smoking, control of blood sugar and optimisation of weight reduce complications, especially before ventral hernia repair.

Robotic Hernia Surgery – Step-by-Step

• The anaesthesiologist administers general anaesthesia. 

• The surgeon makes small incisions, places the ports, and inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide. 

• The port has robotic arms attached, allowing the surgeon to control the system from a console. 

• The surgeon controls the robotic arms to repair the hernia. 

• The defect is closed appropriately, and the mesh is secured with sutures, tacks or glue. 

• The surgeon removes the instruments and closes the incisions. 

• The medical team monitors the patient in recovery.

Mesh Repair in Hernia Surgery

Mesh is a sterile, usually synthetic material that reinforces the weakened area. For most patients with inguinal hernia and ventral hernia, mesh repair reduces recurrence rates compared with suture repair alone. Mesh complications, such as infection, fluid collection, or chronic discomfort, are rare but should be discussed with your doctor.

Recovery After Robotic Hernia Surgery

Post-operative recovery depends on the repair's intensity. While some hernia repairs allow no restrictions, activity restrictions depend on the hernia and your surgeon. Sometimes, your doctor may advise a rest period of 2-4 weeks after surgery, but you can resume desk work 1-2 weeks post-surgery. Heavy lifting is usually restricted for 2-6 weeks or longer. Contact your surgeon if you have a fever, worsening pain, wound redness or discharge, vomiting, difficulty urinating, or a returning hernia. 

Benefits & Limitations

Benefits:

• Smaller incisions: Less scarring than traditional open surgery.

• Less pain: Patients usually report milder post-operative discomfort.

• Fewer wound problems: There is a decreased risk of infection or other complications at the wound site.

• Shorter hospital stay: Most patients are discharged much earlier compared to open surgery.

• Magnified 3D visualisation: Provides the surgeon with a clear and detailed view of the area.

• Precise instrument control: Wristed instruments allow finer and more accurate movements.

Limitations:

• General anaesthesia is needed: Patients unfit for general anaesthesia cannot get robotic-assisted surgery.

• Operating time is longer: Procedures tend to take longer than traditional surgery.

• Cost is higher: Robotic surgery usually costs more than open surgery and laparoscopic surgery.

• Availability is limited: Not every hospital offers this option.

• Possibility of conversion: The surgeon may need to switch to laparoscopic or open surgery if complications arise mid-procedure.

Risks & Possible Complications

• Bleeding

• Painful intercourse

• Fluid collection

• Blood collection

• Injury to nearby organs, tissue, or blood vessels

• Infection at the incision site

• Reaction to anaesthesia

• Hernia recurrence

• Painful urination 

Apollo Hospitals Indore Robotic Surgery Care

Those looking for robotic hernia surgery in Indore can rely on Apollo Hospitals, a leading NABH-accredited multi-speciality hospital. The hospital specialises in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgical techniques that help patients recover faster, experience less pain, have minimal scarring, and achieve better outcomes. If you have a hernia, a surgical consultation can confirm the diagnosis, explain whether robotic, laparoscopic or open repair suits you best, and confirm whether robotic repair is available for your procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Which types of hernia can be treated by robotic surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery can treat inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional, recurrent, and other types of hernia.

Q. Is robotic hernia surgery in Indore a minimally invasive procedure?

Yes. Surgeons make several smaller incisions instead of one large incision used in open surgery.

Q. What is the difference between robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic hernia repair employs straight hand-held instruments. Robotic hernia surgery, by contrast, uses a surgeon's console, wristed instruments, and three-dimensional imaging.

Q. How long does robotic hernia surgery take?

A simple surgery takes 30 minutes, while complex ones can take 5 hours or more.

Q. Is robotic hernia surgery a painful procedure?

General anaesthesia is given to the patient to avoid feeling any pain during the process. However, pain may occur after surgery and can be managed with medication.