You or a loved one have just received a hernia diagnosis. What is a hernia? What are the steps that you need to take to recover? We’ve got you covered.
Surgco is the leading robotic surgery provider for hernia repair. Our minimally invasive procedures are less painful and have shorter recovery times than traditional open surgery.
With Surgco, you can be sure you’re getting the best hernia repair surgery available. We use the latest in robotic technology to provide precision and accuracy for the best possible chance for a successful outcome.
In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know about a hernia diagnosis. Read on to learn about how they are treated and the steps you need to take to recover.
What Is a Hernia and What Are the Symptoms of One?
A hernia is a common condition in which an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak point in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
The most common type of hernia is an abdominal hernia, in which part of the intestines protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
The primary sign of hernia symptoms is a bulge or lump in the affected area. Other symptoms of a hernia can include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected body part. If the hernia is large or strangulated (twisted), it can be life-threatening and need immediate medical attention.
What Are the Different Types of Hernias and Which One Do I Have?
The most common types of hernias are inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and hiatal.
Inguinal hernias occur when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the groin. Inguinal hernias are most common in men and account for about 75% of all hernias.
Femoral hernias occur when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the thigh. Femoral hernias are more common in women than men.
Umbilical hernias occur when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall around the navel (belly button).
How Is a Hernia Repaired?
A hernia is repaired through surgery. The surgery is typically done laparoscopically, which means that a few small incisions are made in the abdomen and a tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the abdomen. Most hernias can be repaired using this minimally invasive approach.
If the hernia is large or particularly complex, then a traditional open surgery may be necessary. In this case, surgeons make a larger incision in the abdomen to gain better access to the hernia.
Recent advances in surgical robotics have allowed surgeons to perform robotic surgery for hernia repair. This approach allows the surgeon to maneuver robotic arms through small incisions to repair the hernia.
What Is Robotic Surgery and How Does It Benefit Me?
Robotic surgery is a type of surgery that uses a robotic arm to perform the surgery. This type of surgery has many benefits, including smaller incisions, less blood loss, and decreased pain.
How does it work? The robotic arm is placed through a small incision in the navel. The surgeon then uses the robotic arm to perform the surgery. This allows for greater precision and control than traditional laparoscopic surgery.
Increased Accuracy
Robotic surgery is performed with extreme precision, which leads to fewer complications and a faster, more seamless recovery.
Due to the smaller incisions and greater precision of robotic surgery, patients typically experience less pain and a quicker recovery time.
Reduced Pain and Scarring
Since robotic surgery is minimally invasive, patients typically experience less pain and have smaller scars. The smaller incision used in robotic surgery leads to less scarring than traditional surgery.
Shorter Recovery Times
Patients usually recover more quickly after robotic surgery than after traditional open surgery.
Traditional open surgery for hernia repair requires a large incision, and patients typically require 6-8 weeks of recovery time. Robotic surgery requires only a small incision, and patients often report recovering in as little as 2 weeks.
Higher Patient Satisfaction Rates
According to a study by the American Society of Surgery, patients are generally happier with their results following robotic surgery than they are following traditional open surgery.
Same Results
Robotic surgery produces the same benefits as traditional surgery- smaller incisions, less blood loss, and decreased pain.
Unlike some surgical procedures that are being replaced by robotics, the results of robotic hernia repair are identical to those achieved through traditional surgery.
What Should I Expect After Hernia Repair Surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the surgery, but typically patients are able to return home the same day or the next day. Full recovery can take up to four weeks.
You will likely experience some pain and swelling in the surgical area immediately following surgery. This is normal and should subside within a few days.
You will be given instructions on how to care for the surgical site, which will include taking antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery.
Are There Any Lifestyle Changes That I Need to Make Following Surgery?
Yes, there are definitely some lifestyle changes that you need to make following hernia surgery. First, you need to be careful about lifting anything heavy. This means no lifting, straining, or vigorous activity.
You’ll also need to take it easy in general for a few weeks, avoiding strenuous activity or exercise. If you place too much strain on your incision, you could cause your hernia to come back.
Beyond that, you should eat a healthy diet and stay well-hydrated to help with recovery. You’ll also need to avoid constipation by eating a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated.
Finally, you’ll need to wear a support garment (usually a compression garment or jockstrap) for about 6 weeks to help support the surgical area. And of course, always follow your surgeon’s instructions!
Get Back to Your Life Quickly After Hernia Surgery
If you’re considering hernia treatment, robotic surgery may be the best option for you. With its faster recovery time and smaller incisions, it’s no wonder this type of surgery is becoming more popular.
To find out if robotic hernia repair surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation today.