Our Summary

This research was conducted to compare two types of minimally invasive hernia repair surgeries: robotic and laparoscopic. The study was carried out in Houston, USA, on 124 patients over a period of one year. The main point of comparison was the number of days patients spent in the hospital after the surgery within a 90 day period. The study also looked at other factors like emergency department visits, time spent in the operating room, complications, reoccurrences of the hernia, need for reoperation, and the total cost from the healthcare system’s perspective.

The results showed that there was no significant difference between the two types of surgeries in terms of hospital stay, emergency visits, complications, hernia reoccurrence, or the need for reoperation. However, the robotic surgery took longer to perform and cost more. In terms of patients’ quality of life one month after the surgery, those who had laparoscopic surgery reported a better improvement. No patient undergoing laparoscopic repair had any damage to the intestines (enterotomy), while two patients had this complication with robotic repair.

In layman’s terms, this study found that both types of surgeries are equally effective in terms of recovery and complications. However, robotic surgery takes longer and costs more than laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery reported a better quality of life one month after the operation.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the research conducted on minimally invasive hernia repair surgeries?
  2. Did the study find any significant differences between robotic and laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries in terms of recovery and complications?
  3. How does the cost and duration of robotic surgery compare to laparoscopic surgery according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about hernia repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, following a proper diet, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It’s also important to listen to your body and report any unusual symptoms or changes to your doctor promptly. By taking these steps, you can help ensure a successful recovery from hernia repair surgery.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are typically recommended for hernia repair are those who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or bulging in the affected area. Hernia repair is often recommended for patients with inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, incisional hernias, or other types of hernias that are causing symptoms or complications. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the individual patient’s specific circumstances and medical history.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  1. Patient experiences hernia symptoms such as pain, swelling, or a bulge in the affected area.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
  3. Patient undergoes preoperative tests and evaluations to determine the best course of action for hernia repair.

After hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes either laparoscopic or robotic hernia repair surgery.
  2. Patient spends a few days in the hospital for recovery and monitoring.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort and limitations in daily activities during the initial recovery period.
  4. Patient follows postoperative instructions provided by healthcare providers to aid in the healing process.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities as advised by healthcare providers.
  6. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hernia repair include:

  1. What are the risks and benefits of both robotic and laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries?
  2. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time for each type of surgery?
  4. What are the potential complications associated with each type of surgery?
  5. Will I need to have any follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  6. How likely is it that the hernia will reoccur after the surgery?
  7. What is the cost difference between robotic and laparoscopic surgery, and will my insurance cover it?
  8. Are there any specific factors about my hernia that make me a better candidate for one type of surgery over the other?
  9. What is the experience of the surgical team with each type of surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to prevent future hernias?

Reference

Authors: Olavarria OA, Bernardi K, Shah SK, Wilson TD, Wei S, Pedroza C, Avritscher EB, Loor MM, Ko TC, Kao LS, Liang MK. Journal: BMJ. 2020 Jul 14;370:m2457. doi: 10.1136/bmj.m2457. PMID: 32665218