Robotic Hernia Repairs Most Effective Treatments for Hernias
Author: Cyberset Corp
Published: 2015/11/28 - Updated: 2021/07/19
Topic: Hernia Information - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Hernia surgeon explains robotic technology can perform the most advanced and complex hernia repair surgery. The most common hernias develop in the abdomen, when a weakness in the abdominal wall evolves into a localized hole, or "defect", through which adipose tissue, or abdominal organs covered with peritoneum, may protrude.
Introduction
Article on Robotic Hernia Repairs Highlights the Most Effective Treatments for Hernias, Notes Dr. Shirin Towfigh. Commenting on the recent article, the Los Angeles area hernia surgeon explains that, by adopting this technology early, she has been able to incorporate the robotic technology to perform the most advanced and complex cases.
Main Item
A hernia is defined as a protrusion of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. The main risk is strangulation, which is a surgical emergency. Asymptomatic hernias can be safely observed, but severe pain is a symptom of strangulation. The most common hernias develop in the abdomen, when a weakness in the abdominal wall evolves into a localized hole, or "defect", through which adipose tissue, or abdominal organs covered with peritoneum, may protrude. Another common hernia involves the spinal discs and causes sciatica. A hiatus hernia occurs when the stomach protrudes into the mediastinum through the esophageal opening in the diaphragm.
According to an article published November 10th by The Missoulian, the advanced da Vinci surgical robot is being more and more widely heralded as a breakthrough for performing hernia repairs.
The article explains that the biggest advantage that the robotic assisted da Vinci method has over traditional laparoscopic surgery is that it can greatly reduce the pain that a patient might otherwise experience after a surgical procedure. This is due to the fact that, because the robotic technology gives the surgeon previously unachievable control over their instruments, the surgery can be completed with fewer movements at the incision site and less overall impact that the body will have to recover from.
According to Dr. Shirin Towfigh, a hernia repair expert and da Vinci early adopter at the Beverly Hills Hernia Center, the combination of this technology and a skilled surgeon can deliver patients successful results with very minimal pain during the recovery.
Dr. Towfigh also notes that, with the da Vinci technology, patients undergoing a hernia repair typically do not have to devote more than a couple days to recovery. She says that, while different cases may necessitate limits on how much a person may lift or exert themselves in the short term, those with relatively low-impact jobs can expect to return to work soon after their surgery. Yet, she explains that it is important to understand that the robotic technique is only as effective as the surgeon at the controls.
While some may hear the term "robotic surgery" and think that it is in some way automated or in the control of a computer program, the surgeon is actually in complete control of every movement. Dr. Towfigh says that the beauty of the machine is that it allows the surgeon to maneuver within the patient with more freedom, flexibility, and precision. With this technology, Dr. Towfigh can perform more advanced hernia related procedures, including mesh removal when necessary.
Dr. Towfigh also explains that hernia repairs are just one of the types of surgeries that she and others are able to perform with the da Vinci system. She explains that she regularly performs robotic tummy tucks to treat diastasis recti and abdominal protrusion after pregnancies. She notes that these conditions are often unavoidable with certain pregnancies, but her experience with the da Vinci system allows her to help women get a flat abdomen and return to their pre-pregnancy form.
Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Cyberset Corp and published on 2015/11/28, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Cyberset Corp can be contacted at cyberset.com NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.