Our Summary

This paper talks about the significant increase in the use of the da Vinci robot to repair certain types of hernia over the past five years. Even though previous studies have shown that using robots for surgical procedures can be very expensive, there has still been a rise in its use for hernia repairs. The reason for this could be because the robot allows for better visualization and movement during surgery, and because hospitals have the resources to fund this. However, there is not enough data on how successful these robot-assisted surgeries are or how much they actually cost. The paper suggests that more research is needed to understand the real advantages of using robots for hernia repairs.

FAQs

  1. What has been the trend in the use of the da Vinci robot for hernia repair over the last five years?
  2. Why is the use of robotic hernia repairs increasing despite cost prohibitive analyses for other general surgery procedures?
  3. What additional research is needed to determine the true benefits of robotic hernia repair?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing hernia repair to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a certain period of time. They may also recommend maintaining a healthy weight and staying active to prevent future hernias. Additionally, the doctor may suggest attending follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hernia repair include those who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or bulging in the affected area. Additionally, patients with hernias that are causing complications such as incarceration or strangulation are also recommended for repair. Factors such as age, overall health, and the size and location of the hernia may also play a role in determining if hernia repair is necessary. Ultimately, the decision to undergo hernia repair should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and bulging at the site of the hernia.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider who confirms the presence of a hernia through physical examination and possibly imaging tests.
  3. Treatment options are discussed, including the possibility of hernia repair surgery.

After hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, including fasting and possibly medication adjustments.
  2. Hernia repair surgery is performed, either through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
  3. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and then transferred to a hospital room for post-operative care.
  4. Patient experiences pain and discomfort in the immediate post-operative period, which is managed with medication.
  5. Patient is gradually encouraged to resume normal activities, with restrictions on lifting and strenuous exercise.
  6. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that there are no complications.
  7. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences relief from hernia symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of hernia do I have and what are my treatment options?
  2. What are the benefits of robotic hernia repair compared to traditional open or laparoscopic surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with robotic hernia repair?
  4. How experienced are you in performing robotic hernia repairs?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and postoperative care for robotic hernia repair?
  6. What is the success rate of robotic hernia repair compared to other surgical methods?
  7. Will I need any additional tests or evaluations before undergoing robotic hernia repair?
  8. How much will robotic hernia repair cost and will my insurance cover it?
  9. What should I expect during the robotic hernia repair procedure?
  10. What are the long-term outcomes and potential complications of robotic hernia repair?

Reference

Authors: Stoikes N, Webb D, Voeller G. Journal: Surg Technol Int. 2016 Oct 26;29:119-122. PMID: 27728950