Robotic Hernia Repair in Austin, TX

Why Choose ATX Robotic Surgery for Hernia Repair Surgery

We continuously work to take your healthcare one step ahead with medically proven and reliable surgical care. We always strive for:

• Skill and Precision: We ensure accurate and controlled operations with robotic-assisted hernia repair, offering effective treatment.
• Lower Risk of Recurrences: One of the biggest challenges with hernia surgery is the risk of recurrence (the hernia coming back). We have worked hard as surgeons to find ways to decrease recurrences.  Robotic surgery techniques and new state-of-the-art mesh have helped us decrease the risk of recurrences.  This translates to better outcomes for patients, less cost to the medical system, and overall improved quality of life for patients.
• Faster Healing: Robotic surgery allows quicker recovery times, helping you return to your normal routine sooner than the conventional surgery.
• Less Invasive Approach: Robotic hernia-repair surgery uses smaller incisions, causing less harm to surrounding tissues and resulting in minimal surgery marks.
• Clearer Visibility and Flexibility: Our surgeons operate with enhanced visibility into deep areas of the body, allowing for ease of movement and delivering excellent surgical results.

Get in touch with our surgeons to thoroughly explore and understand our surgical strategies unique to your condition.

Common Types of Hernias

There are many different types and sizes of hernias. The common ones include an Inguinal hernia (in the groin region), an Incisional hernia (at the site of previous abdominal surgery), and a Hiatal hernia (Upper Stomach, diaphragm). The other types are as follows:

• Epigastric (midline of the upper abdomen)
• Femoral (outer groin)
• Umbilicus (at the stomach button)
• Ventral hernia
• Spigelian

An inguinal (groin) hernia happens when the intestine, for example, protrudes through the weak spot in the abdominal muscles at the inguinal canal. Inguinal hernias are more common in men, and about 1 in 4 men develop one in life. There are two kinds of Inguinal hernias:

– An Indirect Inguinal (groin) hernia occurs when the internal inguinal canal, which should close by birth, remains open. This hernia is usually diagnosed in the first year of life.

– A Direct Inguinal (groin) hernia is when part of the intestine pushes through a weak abdominal muscle by the wall of the inguinal canal. This type occurs in male adults.

An incisional hernia is when part of an organ or tissue bulges through a weakness in the abdominal wall at the site of previous abdominal surgery. This is a common risk/side effect of having abdominal surgery. After surgery, the muscle/fascia that is stitched becomes weak. The peritoneum (covering of the abdominal hole) protrudes through, and the defect causes bulging. The bulging is more evident when the abdominal muscles are straining. Any actions that increase intra-abdominal strain may worsen the hernia; examples of such activities are lifting, coughing, or even straining to pee or a bowel movement.  Robotic inguinal hernia repair can offer a minimally invasive solution for incisional hernias caused by previous abdominal surgery.

The hiatal hernia occurs when a weak muscle tissue allows the stomach to bulge through the diaphragm. This may result in gastroesophageal reflux illness (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Symptoms of Hiatal hernia are:

• Shortness of breath (induced by the hernia’s force on the membrane)
• Heartburn
• Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus (acid reflux).
• Chest pain

There are many different types and sizes of hernias. Hernias can generally lead to organs or other structures moving through the weak tissue into an area they should not be. This can lead to pain/discomfort and more serious complications such as bowel blockages or compromised organs.

Don’t delay seeking care—search for a ”hernia doctor near me” to understand the type of hernia you have and receive timely treatment.

Robotic Surgical Hernia Repair Procedure & Treatment at ATX Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery has made hernia repairs easier and faster, with less blood loss and more precise stitching. But when your doctor tells you that you need surgery to repair your hernia, many thoughts and concerns fill your mind. Will the operation be a success? How painful will it be? How many days off work do I need?

Hernia repair surgery requires returning the organ to its place and repairing the tears in the surrounding tissue.

The good news is that surgical techniques have significantly advanced. We now have new procedures and materials that offer options to decrease discomfort, speed recovery, and help you get back to your life faster.

The principles of hernia repair include two main parts to the operation

1. Close the weak tissue by stitching them together
2. Place a mesh (Synthetic material) that reinforces the repaired tissue and acts as the new muscle/fascia to prevent herniation.

Advanced Hernia Surgery

At ATX Robotic Surgery, our team specializes in advanced robotic hernia surgeries. Using the latest technology, we can repair large midline hernias (incisional, umbilical, ventral, epigastric) and diastasis recti. Our Robotic eTEP and Robotic TAR methods let surgeons operate complex hernias with just three small incisions, working within the muscle layers. Unlike before when these hernias needed a large cut and up to 7 days in the hospital, these techniques allow patients to go home the same day. These less invasive surgical methods are offered by very few surgery centers in the town, and we are happy to provide this innovative treatment to our patients. 

Moreover, these advanced techniques help keep large pieces of mesh away from the intestines and vital organs, reducing potential complications. While all hernias can come back, our modern methods greatly lower this risk. Our surgeons have received special training and regularly attend conferences to stay updated on the best and safest hernia repair methods.

Da Vinci Robotic Hernia Repair

During this highly advanced surgery, the surgeon makes minor cuts to insert robotic tools and a camera (for a clear and detailed view of the inside). Using a console, the surgeon precisely controls robotic arms, repairing the hernia accurately. Vital signs are monitored throughout to ensure safety. Afterward, the instruments are removed, and the cuts are closed.

Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery can be done laparoscopically or with a robotic surgery system. In laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made, and a mesh is placed to recreate the weakness. In traditional laparoscopic surgery, it is difficult to stitch the weak tissue together due to the limitations of the instruments and camera. Usually, only a mesh is placed to repair the hernia. This only applies to one of the principles of hernia surgery.

Open Hernia Repair

The robotic techniques used by ATX Robotic Surgeons are part of the evolution from open surgery. In traditional open surgery, an incision is made over the site of the hernia, and the hernia is repaired with mesh. This requires big incisions, which leads to more pain, longer time off work, longer time away from life activities, and sometimes even days in the hospital. It also leads to additional use of narcotic pain medication.

One of the most significant differences between laparoscopic and robotic surgery is that the robotic instruments offer the ATX Surgeon a more extensive range of motion. Robotic tools move differently than human hands and easily reach inaccessible areas. The superior 3D visualization with 4K high definition allows for precise tissue dissection and suturing.

This allows the surgeon to repair the hernia with stitches and then place the mesh for reinforcement, achieving both principles of hernia repair. The surgeon can also fix more complex and larger hernias using the robotic technique.

It is essential to know that your ATX Surgeon is in complete control during the entire surgical procedure; the robotic system responds to your surgeon’s directions with precise movements inside your body.

Hernia Surgery – Recovery and Postoperative Care 

After robotic hernia surgery, there are still at least 2-4 weeks of activity restrictions. This includes no lifting more than 15 LBS and no running, jumping, or straining. Most patients can return to normal activities and work within several days after surgery.

Post-operative restrictions vary between patients and depend on the type/size of the hernia. Patients will be given specific instructions based on their operation.

Thanks to innovations in robotic engineering, surgeons can do hernia repair operations through small incisions rather than the larger incisions associated with conventional open surgery; this results in less harm to surrounding tissues, less pain for the patient, less risk of infection, less blood loss, and an incredibly quicker recovery. Patients can also have more outpatient surgery (can go home on the day of surgery) and fewer days in the hospital after major hernia repairs.

Patient Experience

Robotic-Assisted Hernia Repair: A Modern Solution for Faster, Safer Recovery!

If you think you have a hernia or have already been diagnosed with one, don’t hesitate to contact ATX Robotic Surgery. Our team of skilled surgeons specializes in robotic hernia surgery, offering reliable care for pain-free and comfortable living. By using advanced robotic tools alongside our expertise, we ensure the best and most suitable treatment, reducing risks and discomfort. If you’re in Austin or anywhere in Central Texas, our clinic is here to support you completely, from consultation to the recovery period. Book your consultation today!

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