Which procedure is best for hernia surgery? Open, Laparoscopic, or Robotic?

Which procedure is best for hernia surgery? Open, Laparoscopic, or Robotic?

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A hernia is a painful health condition that can reduce your quality of life. It occurs due to a weak spot in the muscle wall, allowing internal organs or tissues to protrude. This condition is more commonly observed in the abdominal area. There are different types of hernias named based on the area in which they occur in the body.

Lifting heavy objects, chronic coughing, obesity, previous surgeries, or inherited weakness in the abdomen are some of the main risk factors. Most of the hernias might not cause any discomfort, but sometimes they can cause pain and other complications if they are severe and left untreated. 

Surgery is the main treatment option for hernia repair. Open hernia repair was the traditional treatment approach until modern medicine introduced advanced surgical approaches like laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery. Compared to open hernia repair, these modern techniques are unique and more beneficial in many aspects. However, choosing the right treatment options depends on many factors. In this blog, let’s explore these surgical procedures so that one can decide which is the best approach.

Want to know more about Hernias? Read Hernia -Types And Best Treatment Options for an in-depth exploration. 

Open hernia repair

Open hernia repair is the traditional approach where the surgeon makes a single large incision over the hernia site and then pushes the protruded organs or tissues back and repairs the defect. This procedure can fix any type of hernia, including large or complex cases. Compared to advanced surgical techniques, this is less expensive. 

It has been a promising surgical solution for decades with a high success rate. However, compared to advanced surgical approaches, there are some disadvantages, which include longer recovery time, a larger scar, and postoperative pain. Patients with large and complex hernias or recurrent hernia problems are suggested to undergo open hernia repair. 

Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery is a minimally invasive surgery where the surgeon makes a few small incisions over the hernia site. Through these incisions, a laparoscope with a camera head and other surgical tools are inserted to repair the hernia. 

Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic hernia repair is far more beneficial, with less recovery time, smaller incisions that result in less visible scars, and less postoperative pain. 

Surgeons need to be trained and skilled to perform laparoscopic procedures. This approach might not be suitable for every patient with a hernia problem, especially with large and complicated hernias. Patients with hernias that are small or moderate-sized can reap maximum benefits from this procedure.

Robotic Hernia Surgery

With improvements in technology, robotic surgical procedures have been introduced. Robotic-assisted hernia surgery is an advanced, minimally invasive surgery similar to laparoscopic surgery. 

The surgeon follows the same process, but they will not directly operate on the patient. The robot will operate on the patient, and the surgeon gives instructions sitting at a console. The robot provides a much steadier hand and more focus on the weak area while repairing. 

Moreover, the images provided during this surgery are three-dimensional, whereas in a laparoscopic repair, two-dimensional images are provided. 

The precision provided in robotic hernia repair is far superior, with a greater range of motion and accuracy. High-definition 3D imaging provides an improved vision of the surgical areas. It has many benefits, like less blood loss, faster recovery, and fewer postoperative complications. 

However, the cost of the surgery is a little higher compared to other procedures. As this is advanced and the surgeons require skill and extensive training, it is limited to a few medical centres. This is suitable for any type of hernia, even large and complicated hernias.

Looking for more insights on robotic procedures? Read Robotic Hernia Surgeries

Open vs. laparoscopic vs. robotic—which is best?

All three are the best treatment options, but the best for you depends on many factors, and your surgeon will help you understand the most suitable treatment for your specific condition. For patients with large and complex, or in case of emergencies, open hernia repair is suggested. This is also suggested for patients who have problems with general anaesthesia or have pneumoperitoneum conditions.

When it comes to laparoscopic hernia surgery, it is the best option for small-to-moderate-sized hernias, bilateral hernias, and patients with recurrent hernia problems.

Advanced robotic hernia surgery is a good fit for any type of hernia, even complex or recurrent hernias, particularly in cases where accuracy is essential.

If you are suffering from a hernia problem, don’t worry too much; just consult a hernia specialist like Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best hernia specialists in Hyderabad. Before suggesting treatment, he will analyse the specific type of hernia you have and consider your medical history and lifestyle needs. He will evaluate thoroughly and make sure the surgery is safe and beneficial for your condition.