Robotic surgery is a newer technique for repairing hernias in which the surgeon is seated at a console and handles the surgical instruments from the console. Advantages of robotic surgery include three-dimensional images of the inside of the abdomen, smaller scars, and less pain.
A hernia is most often treated with surgery. The main types of surgery for hernia are:
After the procedure is completed, the small incisions in the abdomen are closed with a stitch or two or with surgical tape.
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Robotic surgery is a newer technique for repairing hernias. Like laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery uses a laparoscope, and is performed in the same manner (small incisions, a tiny camera, inflation of the abdomen, and projecting the inside of the abdomen onto television screens).
In robotic surgery, however, the surgeon is seated at a console in the operating room, and handles the surgical instruments from the console. While robotic surgery can be used for some smaller hernias, it can also be used to rebuild the abdominal wall.
One of the biggest differences between laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery is that the use of the robot provides excellent three-dimensional images of the inside of the abdomen (vs. the two-dimensional images of laparoscopic surgery).
Other benefits of robotic hernia surgery include the following:
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/27/2018.
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