Robotic Hernia Surgery

Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernia occurs in the lower abdomen and occurs when tissue, like the intestines, exploits a weakness in the abdominal muscles and protrudes through. Although less common, the bladder may also protrude. The condition itself is not life-threatening but complications which arise as a result of the hernia can be life-threatening and immediately requiring repair.

Inguinal hernia is named so because it appears above the inguinal canal, which contains the spermatic cord in men. Symptoms include unusual bulging on either side of the pubic area that may be accompanied with burning or aching pain in the area of the bulge, pain when bending, squatting, lifting, or coughing. Additional symptoms include an unusual heavy or dragging sensation in the groin area, weakness or pressure in the groin area. When the protrusion reaches the groin area, it may cause severe pain and swelling.

Hiatal Hernia

When a patient suffers a hiatal hernia, a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm. This condition exploits the natural opening your esophagus uses, pushing the stomach up into the opening. This condition is normally very small and not likely to even be noticed by the patient and cannot be discovered on a physical exam. There are two types: sliding and paraesophageal. Sliding hernias usually causes esophageal reflux and can be controlled with medication most of the time. When medications do not control the symptoms, surgery may be needed. A paraesophageal hernia is more serious as this can cause the stomach to twist and prevent it from emptying or cut off its own blood supply.

Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical hernias are a protrusion in the naval, generally caused by intestines, fat or fluids. Umbilical hernias are most common in infants and normally resolve on their own by the time the baby reaches one year. When this condition occurs in adults, the hernia tends to become larger over time, and robotic hernia surgery can repair it. The risk of strangulation is also of concern and can be life threatening. Careful monitoring is needed to ensure strangulation does not occur.

Femoral Hernia

Femoral hernia is a bulge appearing at the top of the thigh near the groin. Named for the femoral canal that contains the femoral artery, it is found just below the inguinal groin ligament. Less than 5% of all hernias are femoral and can be small enough that the patient is not even aware of it. Like inguinal, the same complications can arise.

Epigastric Hernia

Epigastric hernia occurs between the navel and breastbone with protrusions of fat pushing through the wall of the upper abdomen. Robotic hernia surgery repair is the optimal method used to treat this condition. Repair in this area is particularly suited for laparoscopic robotic hernia repair surgery in women who wish to keep scarring to a minimum.

Incisional Hernia

Incisional hernia occurs after an open surgery, most often along a vertical incision from a traditional open surgical procedure. This condition can occur soon after surgery or even years later. It is often very painful and requires surgery. However, the risk for this type of surgery can be reduced by using robot assisted laparoscopic hernia repair surgery.