Treating hernias with the aid of robots
Advances in robotic surgery have made hernia repairs more precise and less invasive than traditional surgery.
Affecting people of all ages and genders, hernias are a common medical condition that can cause significant discomfort and pain. Whether it's an inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, incisional hernia or hiatal hernia, the thought of an organ or tissue protruding through a weakened area in the surrounding muscle or tissue is enough to make anyone cringe. However, North Suburban Medical Center general surgeon, Farshad Farnejad, MD, explains that “with the emergence of robotic hernia treatment, repairing hernias has become less invasive, less painful and more precise than ever before.”
Fellowship-trained and dual-board-certified in general and critical care, Dr. Farnejad shares with us the most common types of hernias and how surgical robotic assistance is getting his hernia patients back to their lives faster.
Inguinal hernia
The inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia, accounting for approximately 70% of all hernias. “This type of hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the groin muscle,” Dr. Farnejad details. “Inguinal hernias are more common in men than women and are often caused by lifting heavy objects, straining during bowel movements or coughing.”
Umbilical hernia
“Another common hernia is the umbilical hernia, which describes the protrusions of part of the intestine or abdominal tissue through the abdominal wall near the navel,” he furthers. This type is more common in infants and young children but can also occur in adults. Umbilical hernias are often caused by a weak spot in the abdominal wall or increased pressure in the abdomen due to obesity or pregnancy.
Incisional hernia
Incisional hernias occur at the site of a previous surgery and are common in people who have had abdominal surgery in the past. “Incisional hernias are often caused by the stress placed on the weakened abdominal wall after surgery,” Dr. Farnejad clarifies.
Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. Dr. Farnejad tells us it is more common in people over the age of 50 and is often caused by a weakening of the diaphragm muscle.
Flank hernia
A flank hernia, also known as a lumbar hernia, is a rare type of hernia that occurs in the lower back. It happens when a portion of the intestine or other tissue bulges through a weakened area in the flank or lumbar region, which is the area between the lower ribs and the pelvis. Flank hernias are often caused by trauma, surgery or congenital defects in the muscle or tissue.
Diaphragmatic hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia is a type of hernia that occurs when a portion of the organs from the abdominal cavity moves through a hole or weak spot in the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. Dr. Farnejad states, “Diaphragmatic hernias can be congenital, which means that they are present at birth, or they can be acquired later in life due to trauma or surgery.”
When to seek treatment for a hernia
“If you suspect that you may have a hernia, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible,” Dr. Farnejad stresses. Common symptoms of a hernia include a bulge or lump that can be seen or felt in the affected area, pain or discomfort in the affected area, especially when lifting heavy objects, coughing or bending over and a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the affected area. In some cases, a hernia may not cause any noticeable symptoms, so it's important to be aware of any changes in your body and to discuss any concerns with your doctor. A physical exam, ultrasound or other diagnostic tests may be necessary to confirm the presence of a hernia.
Robotic surgery increases precision, reduces recovery
Robotic hernia treatment can be used to repair all types of hernias with greater precision and accuracy than traditional surgery. “The robotic arm is able to make more precise and delicate movements than a human hand, allowing for a more effective repair of the hernia. We get much better visualization of the surgical area with the robot — it gives us 3D visualization and an agility beyond that of our natural movements,” Dr. Farnejad shares. “What that means for our patients is often less pain, fewer complications, reduced blood loss, shorter recovery times and minimal scarring.”
Overall, robotic hernia treatment is a safe, effective and minimally invasive surgical technique that offers numerous benefits over traditional surgery. If you are suffering from a hernia, it may be worth discussing the possibility of robotic hernia treatment with your doctor. To learn more about surgical care at North Suburban Medical Center, visit us online.