Robotic Surgery for Hernia Repair: Is It Better Than Laparoscopy?

Million surgical hernia repairs are carried out worldwide each year. Such hernia repair surgeries have been evolutionary. The days of traditional or open surgery are replaced with minimally invasive methods, which offer multiple advantages, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. These surgical techniques have redefined patient care by reducing recovery time and postoperative pain. For years, laparoscopic surgery has been the norm, with small incisions and fast recoveries. However, robotic-assisted surgery has gained attention for its precision and flexibility in more complicated cases. Let's find out whether robotic surgery is better than laparoscopy for hernia repair. 

Hernia Repair and Surgical Options

More than a million Indians suffer from hernia each year, which results in swelling in the groin or abdomen. Although painless in most cases, Hernia can sometimes be uncomfortable and require a medical checkup for diagnosis and cure.

A hernia is when an organ or fat protrudes through a weak muscle spot or connective tissue that usually holds it in place, forming a bulge or lump. It can cause pain, bloating, and discomfort. Inguinal hernias (groin), umbilical hernias (at the navel), and incisional hernias, which recur at the site of previous surgical wounds, are the most common hernia types. Congenital defects muscle weakness, and hernia conditions vary. Multiple conditions such as smoking, chronic coughing, or repeated heavy lifting, contribute to hernia. If left untreated, hernias may lead to complications such as tissue strangulation.

Traditional Surgery vs Minimally Invasive Surgery

Earlier, open surgery was the mode of hernia repair. The traditional method involved cuts to stitch the open cut or put a supporting mesh. However, this method took a longer recovery time and recurrence of the hernia. More recent developments like laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures are revolutionary in the treatment with minimal incisions, less pain post-surgery, and recovery at an earlier stage. Robotic techniques provide greater precision in complex and laparoscopic techniques for common hernias. 

Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

Laparoscopic hernia repair entails creating 3-4 tiny cuts in the abdomen. A laparoscope, a narrow tube with a camera, is inserted through one cut to assist the surgeon. The abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide to create room for the procedure. The surgeon afterwards uses devices via the other incisions to repair the hernia, often reinforcing the area with mesh.

Advantages

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a new and minimally invasive method that improves patient recovery and comfort after the procedure.

• Small Wounds: Scarring and risk of infection decrease because of smaller incisions, and avoiding tissue damage.
• Faster Recovery: Patients resume routine life with reduced hospital stays and less dependency on drugs.
• Less Discomfort: Causes less pain after surgery and a quicker healing time.

Limitations

Laparoscopic hernia has many limitations that can affect its outcome in certain situations, although it has many advantages.

• Range of Motion: Laparoscopic tools, though precise, may lack the dexterity of a surgeon’s hand in terms of intricate movement, manipulation and manoeuvring.
• Difficulty in Complex or Recurrent Hernias: Suitability for large or recurrent hernias with adhesions or scar tissue is not great. Unsafe and not easily accessible to the scar tissue area, this technique makes it difficult to perform the process effectively.

Robotic-Assisted Hernia Surgery

Robotic-assisted hernia surgery uses surgeon-controlled robotic arms to perform with great accuracy. A 3D system offers a magnified image of the surgical area, increasing accuracy. The surgeon sits at a console and controls the robotic arms that replicate natural hand movements, enabling delicate and precise manoeuvres during the procedure.

Benefits

Robotic-assisted hernia repair has many benefits over conventional techniques, especially in complicated cases. The sophisticated technology gives surgeons better abilities, resulting in better patient outcomes and possibly reduced recurrence rates.

• Improved Accuracy and Dexterity: Robotic systems provide precise dissection and suturing, particularly in narrow spaces.
• Improved Results in Complex Cases: Robotic surgery ensures successful repairs with fewer complications in complex hernia cases.
• Lower Recurrence Rates in Some Research: Studies have demonstrated that robotic-assisted hernia repairs can decrease the likelihood of hernia recurrence over conventional procedures.

Drawbacks

Although it has advantages, robotic-assisted hernia surgery also has some disadvantages. The technology has considerable financial and time-related disadvantages that can affect accessibility and efficiency.

• Increased Expenses: Robotic surgery entails costly machinery and procedural fees, making it less available to certain patients.
• Increased Operative Time in Some Situations: Robotic surgery takes longer than laparoscopic surgery because of setup and docking procedures.

Robotic Surgery vs Laparoscopy: A Comparison

Minimally invasive methods such as laparoscopic and robot-assisted hernia surgery have a major advantage over conventional open surgery. Although both involve small cuts, they differ in effectiveness depending on variables such as accuracy, economy, and applicability to complex cases.

Factors Influencing the Technique of Surgery Choice

Preference between robotic and laparoscopic hernia surgery depends on the patient's health, the surgeon's experience and the hernia's complexity. Robotic surgery offers greater accuracy and versatility, particularly for the most complex cases, as the surgeon's expertise needs reliability too. Robotic-assisted techniques minimise blood loss and post-operative pain, leading to faster recovery. They are ideally suited for complex hernias, resulting in shorter hospital stays and better prevention of recurrence. The decision ultimately should be tailored to the various factors discussed above.

Robotic-Assisted vs Laparoscopic: Choose the Best Surgery!

Robotic-assisted and laparoscopic hernia surgery offers several advantages, including reduced incisions and swift recovery. Laparoscopy is cost-effective and time-efficient, whereas robotic surgery is precise and better suited for complicated hernia repair cases but costs more and is time-consuming. The technique should be tailored to the individual, patient needs, complexity of the hernia, and the surgeon’s skill level. Consult a specialist's advice at Apollo Spectra Hospitals in your city to choose the most suitable method for your condition.