Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

If you have recently been diagnosed with a hernia, general surgeon Dr. Eston Wenger of Premier Surgical Cleveland can help. While open surgery has traditionally been the go-to for hernia repair, with advancements in medical technology a minimally invasive alternative is available: robotically-assisted hernia repair. Robotic hernia repair offers numerous benefits over traditional open surgery and Dr. Wenger is highly skilled in this revolutionary procedure.

What is a hernia?

Hernias are a common ailment affecting millions of people worldwide. A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscles or connective tissue. This typically results in a bulge or protrusion under the skin. The most common types of hernias occur in the abdominal region, but other areas of the body can develop hernias as well.

While not all hernias cause noticeable symptoms, hernias can be painful and can cause a feeling of heaviness or pressure; nausea or vomiting can also be caused by hernias.

What causes hernias?

Hernias can be caused by a weakness or strain in the muscle or an increase in abdominal pressure. Conditions or activities that increase pressure in the abdomen include heavy lifting, constipation, pregnancy, persistent coughing, and obesity.

What are the advantages of robotic hernia repair?

Because robotic hernia repair is minimally invasive and requires only a few small incisions, the benefits it offers over open surgery are great. With the robotic technique, the surgeon is seated at a 3-D viewing console and controls the surgical instruments in real-time.

Decreased Healing Time – With smaller incisions, there is a greater reduction in trauma to the body which means a shorter recovery time. Robotic hernia repair is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means patients can go home the same day instead of having a long stay in the hospital. With healing time decreased, patients can resume their regular activities sooner.

Minimal Scarring – Because smaller incisions are used in robotic hernia repair, scarring is minimized resulting in a more aesthetic cosmetic outcome.

Reduced Pain – Smaller incisions and the use of smaller instruments generally results in less postoperative pain than open surgery.

Lower Risk of Recurrence – During robotic hernia repair, mesh reinforcement is used to strengthen the weakened abdominal wall, reducing the risk of recurrence.

You can easily see why robotic hernia repair, with its many benefits, is an attractive option for patients. If you are ready to schedule your hernia repair, or if you have questions regarding this procedure, Dr. Eston Wenger is ready to help.

Call Dr. Eston Wenger of Premier Surgical Associates of Cleveland, TN, at (423) 472-5423 or click here to request an appointment online.