What is Robotic Hernia Surgery?

A hernia is a protrusion (bulge) of an organ (generally the intestines) through a defect (hole) in the cavity in which it normally resides. Simply stated, a hernia is a hole in the wall of the abdomen. This results in the intestines or bowel pushing through the hole. Hernias can occur at many locations on the abdominal wall. Physicians can find most hernias during physical examination. Some hernias require additional imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

The da Vinci® Surgical System gives your surgeon a 3D-HD view inside your body. As a result of da Vinci technology, da Vinci ventral hernia surgery offers the following potential benefits:

• Low rate of recurrence
• Low rate of pain
• Low conversion rate to open surgery
• Short hospital stay

The potential risks related to any abdominal hernia surgery, including da Vinci robotic surgery include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Hernia
• Urinary retention
• Recurrence of incisional hernias are more likely

Types of Hernias

There are many types of hernias. Inguinal hernias are in the groin. Femoral hernias are in the thighs near the groin. Ventral hernias occur in the front of the abdomen and may be classified as umbilical, epigastric, incisional, parastomal or Spigelian based on their location. There are also sports hernias of the abdomen and hiatal hernias of the esophageal chest. All require surgical intervention.