Our Summary

This research study compared three different methods of performing hernia repairs: open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. The study looked at data from 2007 to 2022 and included over 3,300 hernia repairs. The patients were matched by age, gender, body mass index, and the location of their hernia.

The study found that patients who had open surgery often had more health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cirrhosis, and congestive heart failure. Open surgery was also more common for patients with recurring hernias. The open surgery took less time than the other two methods, but there was no significant difference in terms of wound infection, bleeding, fluid buildup requiring intervention, or readmission to the hospital.

However, the study found that the robotic hernia repair was significantly more expensive than the other two methods. Despite this, the recurrence rate for hernias was similar across all three surgery types.

The conclusion of the study is that all three hernia repair techniques are safe and effective when performed by experienced surgeons. However, open surgery might be more commonly used for patients with other health issues or recurring hernias, even though it doesn’t result in higher complications or discomfort. Despite being more expensive, robotic surgery is not associated with higher recurrence rates.

FAQs

  1. What were the three methods of hernia repair compared in this study?
  2. According to the study, what are the pros and cons of open hernia surgery compared to laparoscopic and robotic surgery?
  3. Is the recurrence rate for hernias different among the three surgery types according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to ensure proper healing and monitor for any complications. Additionally, patients should listen to their body and report any unusual symptoms or concerns to their healthcare provider promptly. By following these guidelines, patients can help ensure a successful recovery and minimize the risk of complications after laparoscopic hernia repair.

Suitable For

Overall, laparoscopic hernia repair is typically recommended for patients who are healthy and do not have significant underlying health issues. This minimally invasive technique offers several advantages, such as less postoperative pain, faster recovery time, and lower risk of complications compared to open surgery. Patients who are candidates for laparoscopic hernia repair include those with inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, and ventral hernias. However, the specific recommendation for surgery will depend on the individual patient’s medical history and overall health status.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting and stopping certain medications.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled.

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes the minimally invasive laparoscopic hernia repair procedure.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort and swelling at the incision sites.
  4. Patient is given instructions on post-operative care, including restrictions on activities and how to care for the incision sites.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery and ensure the hernia repair was successful.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open surgery?
  2. What is the recovery time for laparoscopic hernia repair?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair?
  4. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic hernia repair?
  5. Are there any specific factors that make me a better candidate for laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open surgery?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions after laparoscopic hernia repair?
  7. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
  8. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair in terms of hernia recurrence?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes I should make after undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair?
  10. What is the cost difference between laparoscopic hernia repair and other surgical methods, such as open surgery or robotic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lorenz WR, Holland AM, Adams AS, Mead BS, Scarola GT, Kercher KW, Augenstein VA, Heniford BT. Journal: Surgery. 2025 Mar;179:108895. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.08.054. Epub 2024 Oct 28. PMID: 39472265