Our Summary

This research study compared two types of surgery for ventral hernia - one performed by a robot and the other one performed by a surgeon using a laparoscope. The study wanted to see if there was a difference in how many days patients spent in the hospital after surgery. The study was done in Houston, USA on 124 patients who were suitable for these types of minimally invasive surgery.

The results showed that there was no difference in the number of days spent in the hospital after surgery between the two groups. There was also no difference in visits to the emergency department, wound complications, recurrence of the hernia, or need for further surgery. However, the robot surgery took longer and cost more. Two patients who had the robot surgery had an injury to their bowel compared to none in the laparoscopic group. Patients who had the laparoscopic surgery reported a bigger improvement in their quality of life one month after surgery compared to those who had the robot surgery.

The conclusion is that there’s no difference in hospital stay after surgery between the two methods, but robot surgery takes longer and costs more.

FAQs

  1. Was there a difference in the number of days patients spent in the hospital post-surgery between robot and laparoscopic hernia repair?
  2. Were there any differences in complications such as wound issues, hernia recurrence, or need for further surgery between the two methods?
  3. Did patients report a difference in quality of life after robot surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a certain period of time to allow for proper healing. It’s also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can aid in the recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair are those with ventral hernias who are suitable for minimally invasive surgery and do not have any contraindications to the procedure. These patients may include those with smaller hernias, those who are in overall good health, and those who are able to tolerate general anesthesia. It is important for patients to discuss their specific case with their healthcare provider to determine if laparoscopic hernia repair is the best option for them.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a hernia through physical examination and imaging tests
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, including the possibility of laparoscopic surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on pre-operative preparations, such as fasting and medication management

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  • Patient arrives at the hospital or surgical center on the day of surgery
  • Patient is prepared for surgery, which involves anesthesia and positioning on the operating table
  • Surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope to repair the hernia
  • Surgery typically lasts around 1-2 hours
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home
  • Patient may experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling at the incision sites
  • Patient is given post-operative instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and pain management
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for post-operative appointments and monitoring of recovery progress

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the benefits and risks of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to other types of surgery?
  2. How long will the surgery take and how long is the recovery time?
  3. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair in terms of preventing hernia recurrence?
  4. Are there any potential complications or side effects associated with this type of surgery?
  5. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  6. How soon can I return to normal activities, such as work and exercise, after the surgery?
  7. Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery to improve my recovery?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential risks associated with it?
  9. How experienced is the surgeon in performing laparoscopic hernia repair and what is their success rate?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my hernia condition?

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