We may not have flying cars. We may not have put a man on Mars. What we do have is robotic surgery, and it might be the best way to treat your ventral hernia.
But what is robotic surgery, and is it reliable? If you’re nervous about allowing a robot to operate, you’re not alone. Once most people understand how robotic surgery works, they find that it’s a safe and efficient way to treat their hernia.
If you’re suffering from a ventral hernia and considering surgery, read on to learn about this groundbreaking ventral hernia treatment option!
What is a Ventral Hernia?
A ventral hernia is another name for an abdominal hernia. A hernia forms when there is a weakness in your abdominal wall that allows tissue to protrude. In most cases, the tissue that protrudes will be intestinal tissue.
Sometimes hernias happen naturally. Other times, coughing or vomiting after an illness can cause a hernia to form. Hernias occasionally happen after surgery or as a result of heavy lifting.
Pregnant individuals, as well as individuals with diabetes, may be more likely to experience a ventral hernia.
Ventral Hernia Symptoms
You may have a ventral hernia if you have noticed an unusual protrusion in your abdominal region. Often, individuals with hernias feel constipated or may have difficulty passing stool. Hernias can also cause nausea and vomiting.
The most common symptom is abdominal pain. If you have a pronounced protrusion, the pain will typically radiate from that area.
To repair a ventral hernia, your doctor will have to perform surgery. You may be able to opt for robotic surgery for ventral hernia repair.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
The doctor conducting your surgery will not be a robot. Robotic surgery is often called robot-assisted surgery. A human doctor will operate a specialized robot that can create very precise incisions.
Robotic surgery is minimally invasive. It means less scarring and less healing time. The robotic tools are steady and incredibly precise, allowing for an easy, quick procedure.
Often, surgical robots are equipped with tiny cameras so that your doctor can see inside of your body using those small incisions. They can make repairs using the camera footage as a guide. Your doctor will be in the room but will not have to physically stand over you during your procedure.
How Does Robotic Surgery Work?
During the surgery, you will most likely be under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure. You will not feel any pain, and the surgery will be complete when you wake up.
Once you are under anesthesia, your doctor will create a small incision to allow the robotic camera to enter your body. The doctor will then go to a computer console to direct the robot. They will be able to see the high-resolution images provided by the robotic camera.
Your doctor will tell the robot what to do from the console area. The robot will respond inside of your body. The doctor will watch the entire procedure on the computer screen to ensure that everything is going smoothly.
When the hernia has been repaired, your doctor will assess the best way to reinforce your abdominal wall. They may choose to use sutures or surgical mesh. The doctor will close and clean the incision.
You will then move to a recovery room, where you will wake up from the anesthesia. You are unlikely to feel any pain right away. In many cases, you will be able to go home the same day.
What Are the Benefits of Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery has many benefits that make it an excellent option for anyone looking to get back to work quickly. In fact, most robotic surgery patients can return to work between one and two weeks after the procedure. While it may take more time to recover completely, robotic hernia repair makes it simpler to return to your everyday life.
The first benefit is the precision of the robotic machinery. The robots can work in an extremely precise manner. This means that your doctor can see clearly and work neatly without the need for large incisions.
The lack of large incisions is the second benefit. Smaller incisions lead to fewer sutures and a shorter healing time.
Because the incisions are so small, you’ll be losing less blood during the procedure. That makes it unlikely that you’ll have major complications. This also limits the incidence of infection.
Small, precision incisions mean that you’re likely to experience less pain than the average surgical patient. This will lead to a fast recovery and a quick return to work, school, or life. Most patients recover completely within six weeks of their robotic surgery.
Who Can Perform Robotic Surgery?
A doctor who performs robotic surgery must be specially trained on the use of the robotic surgery system. Because medical technology has come so far, doctors can use special VR systems to practice several robotic surgeries before they even touch a patient!
Many doctors complete an entire fellowship in robotic surgery before they can operate on their own. They will observe and participate in many surgeries during this special training.
Most doctors and surgeons trained in robotic surgery have already been surgeons for many years. The robotic system is just another tool that makes their job easier and more efficient. Doctors choose to undergo this extra training because they recognize that robotic surgery is more precise and less painful than traditional surgical procedures.
If you see a surgeon who is qualified to operate a robotic surgical system, they are likely well-trained and experienced! You will be in excellent robotic hands!
Schedule a Robotic Surgery With Surgco
If you are suffering from a ventral hernia, robotic surgery is a precise and safe way to repair it. Robotic surgery patients have very little scarring and very quick recoveries. Technology has come a long way, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t benefit from this groundbreaking procedure!
Are you ready to schedule a consultation? Surgco would love to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with one of our specially trained professional surgeons.