If you have a hernia and visit a surgeon to rectify the issue, you might have heard him talk about the three methods a hernia surgery can be performed. Yes, there are three methods to perform a hernia surgery.
They are
- Open hernia surgery,
- Laparoscopic hernia surgery, and
- Robotic hernia surgery.
Open hernia surgery is the traditional method where a large incision is made near the hernia site to correct it. Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, on the other hand, only involve making small incisions near the hernia site.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the key differences between laparoscopic and robotic hernia surgeries and several other factors revolving around them.
What are the Key differences between laparoscopic and robotic surgery?
Though laparoscopic and robotic approaches to hernia repair are different, there is one similarity between them.
Both procedures, unlike open surgery, involve making small incisions around the hernia site. They use cameras and surgical instruments that are inserted through the incisions to operate the hernia.
Now that we know the similarities between the procedures let’s look at some of their key differences.
| Laparoscopic surgery | Robotic surgery |
|---|---|
|
The surgeon holds the camera and surgical tools and does the surgery manually. |
The surgeon sits in front of a console and manipulates the robot to perform the surgery. |
|
The camera provides 2D images. |
The camera provides high-definition, magnified 3D images. |
|
Accuracy is a bit low with 2D images, but better than open surgery. |
3D magnified images allow for higher accuracy. |
|
The surgeon has a limited range of motion, making it difficult to perform high-risk surgeries. |
The robotic arms provide the surgeon with a 360° range of motion and precision. Helps with high-risk surgeries. |
|
Recovery time is shorter than open surgery. |
Recovery time is shorter than open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. |
|
May cause bleeding and post-operative pain in case of complications during surgery. |
The risk of complications is minimal as it is a robotic procedure. So, bleeding and post-operative pain is minimal. |
|
Costs more than open surgery but less than robotic surgery. |
Costs more than both open and laparoscopic surgeries. |
Advantages of using laparoscopic and robotic surgeries
Below are some advantages of choosing a laparoscopic and robotic surgery method for your hernia repair.
| Advantages of Laparoscopic hernia surgery | Advantages of Robotic hernia surgery |
|---|---|
|
Minimal risk of injury during the procedure |
Minimal risk of injury during the procedure |
|
Less pain after surgery |
High precision compared to laparoscopic surgery |
|
Lower risk of infections and other complications after surgery |
Great control over the instruments ensures high accuracy and speed |
|
Recovery time is less |
Recovery time is less |
|
Shorter hospital stay time |
Less post-operative pain and complications |
|
Less bleeding than open surgery |
Less bleeding than open and laparoscopic surgeries |
|
You can return to your normal daily activities within a few days |
360-degree range of motion |
|
Minimal scarring |
Minimal scarring |
Disadvantages of using laparoscopic surgery
Now that you know the advantages of both laparoscopic and robotic hernia surgery, There are recent advances in laparoscopic surgery and Robotic surgery still there are still some disadvantages as well, let’s look at some of their disadvantages.
| Disadvantages of Laparoscopic hernia surgery | Disadvantages of Robotic hernia surgery |
|---|---|
|
More expensive than open hernia surgery |
More expensive than open and laparoscopic hernia surgeries |
|
Performed under general anesthesia (may not be suitable for all patients) |
Robotic surgery machines are not that common and are only available in some advanced hi-tech hospitals |
|
Accuracy and precision are lower than in robotic surgery |
The systems can experience technical issues, causing delays or complications in the surgery. |
Which surgery is better for Hernia Treatment?
Both laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are good methods to repair your hernia. However, there are certain conditions that determine one option is better than the other.
Discuss with your hernia surgeon
You should always discuss with your hernia surgeon before deciding which method to choose. Your surgeon will do a full checkup on your health and hernia condition and determine the best course of action for you.
Don’t choose a method based on other’s opinion
Also, don’t decide on a treatment based on other people’s experience. Remember that each person is unique, and your body condition will not be the same as theirs. The treatment that worked for them may not work for you.
Don’t rely on what Google says
Don’t ask Google which surgery method will be suitable for you. It won’t know your underlying health conditions to give you the correct answer.
Conclusion
Whether you choose laparoscopic or robotic surgery depends entirely on your health condition and the risks involved in the procedures. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure thoroughly before deciding on a procedure.
If you have further questions regarding the procedures and need clarifications, consult your hernia specialist and clear your doubts.
FAQs
Yes, robotic surgery may take longer than laparoscopic surgery. There are several technical aspects that need to be taken care of before starting the procedure. So it takes longer than other surgeries.
Surgeons can use robotic surgery to perform delicate and intricate procedures that would be difficult to do using other methods. Robotic surgery allows for minimally invasive surgery. There are also fewer complications associated with the surgery.
These are instances when there is a high chance of complications while choosing robotic surgeries. For example, robotic surgery should not be conducted on a critically ill or trauma patient who requires emergency surgery. Robotic surgery needs time to set up, and these patients can’t afford to wait.
Though laparoscopic and robotic approaches to hernia repair are different, there is one similarity between them.
Both procedures, unlike open surgery, involve making small incisions around the hernia site. They use cameras and surgical instruments that are inserted through the incisions to operate the hernia.
