What Is Da Vinci Technology?
This system translates the surgeon's hand movements as the surgeon would operate the robotic arms through the operating console. The instruments will resemble a wrist and move like a human hand while performing the surgery.
What Are the Components of the Da Vinci System?
The three major components of the da Vinci system are
- Surgeon Console: The surgeon will be seated at the console controlling the instruments as he/she views the anatomy through the screen in a high-definition three-dimensional picture.
- Patient Cart: This will be positioned near the bed where the patient will be present. It holds the camera and the instruments, which the surgeon would control from the console.
- Vision Cart: The vision cart has readings and acts as a moderator between the components, as it also supports the three-dimensional vision system.
Why Should One Prefer Robotic Hernia Surgery?
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It provides a three-dimensional image of the inside of the abdomen.
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Instrument sizes are small and give great access via one or a few small incisions.
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It comes with smaller scars.
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Less painful than conventional surgery.
What Is a Hernia?
It is a condition that occurs due to the protrusion of an organ inside the body from the outside of a wall or a muscle in which it is present. Hernias mostly occur within the abdominal cavity between the chest and the hips.
What Are the Types of Hernia?
The most common types of hernia are
- Inguinal Hernia: In this hernia, the inguinal canal serves as a passage for the cords and blood vessels of the sperm. It is the most common type of hernia. In women, it contains a round ligament that supports the womb. In an inguinal hernia, a part of the intestine or the fatty tissues protrudes out near the groin at the top of the inner thigh. It is more common in men than women.
- Femoral Hernia: It occurs when the fatty tissue or a part of the bowel pokes through the inner thigh into the groin. It pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall surrounding it into the femoral canal.
- Umbilical Hernia: A part of the intestine or the fatty tissue pushes through the abdomen near the belly button.
- Hiatal Hernia: A part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm (the muscle which separates the chest from the abdomen horizontally) into the cavity in the chest.
Other less common types of hernia include:
- Epigastric Hernia: Fatty tissue protrudes between the navel and the breast bone through the abdominal wall.
- Incisional Hernia: Tissues from a remote operation site in the abdomen or pelvis protrude through the scar formed.
- Diaphragmatic Hernia: Organs in the abdomen protrude into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm.
- Spigelian Hernia: The fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdomen at its side below the navel.
What Causes Hernia?
The causes of hernia include
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It can occur due to muscle weakness that may be present from birth.
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It might be associated with aging.
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Repeated strains in the abdominal and groin areas are caused due to obesity, pregnancy, frequent coughing, more physical activity, or straining in the toilet due to constipation and post-delivery stress.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hernia?
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Formation of a bulge or swelling in the groin.
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Pain at the site of the bulge.
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Pain while lifting heavy objects.
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Increase in size of the bulge over a period of time.
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A feeling of dull constant aching pain.
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Signs of bowel obstruction include a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
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In the hiatal hernia, no bulges are seen on the outside. It will present symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, indigestion, reflux of contents from the stomach, and difficulty swallowing.
How Is This Condition Diagnosed?
A bulge can be easily noticed through physical examination, usually in the area where the hernia has occurred. For example: if a male has an inguinal hernia, the doctor will touch and feel the bulge in the area around the testicles and groin while the patient will be asked to cough. In cases when it is difficult to diagnose, soft tissue scans like computed tomography (which uses x-rays to capture detailed images of the internal organs) diagnose the condition accurately.
What Happens While Performing a Robotic Hernia Surgery?
In robotic hernia surgery, the surgeon uses a laparoscope which consists of a thin tube called a laparoscope. It consists of a camera and a light source. It is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut on the outside. The camera captures the image and sends it to a computer. The surgeon can view the internal organs at ease without causing any major trauma to the patient. In robotic surgery, the surgeon operates the instruments by sitting in the operating console. Camera control will be held by a robotic arm and controlled by the surgeon.
What Is the Major Difference Between Robotic Hernia Surgery and Laparoscopic Surgery?
What Are the Benefits of Robotic Hernia Surgery?
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The patient recovers with minimal scar rather than one large scar made for the incision, which greatly reduces the risk of infection.
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There will be lesser postoperative pain and discomfort after the surgery compared to other surgeries since the incisions made are minimal.
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The surgeon can use meshes and stitch tissues easily inside the abdomen.
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The stay in the hospital will be of short duration.
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Quick recovery time and can soon return back to a normal lifestyle.
What Are the Disadvantages of Robotic Hernia Surgery?
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Increased cost.
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Increased operating time and set-up time.
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Repositioning the arms multiple times can cause trauma.
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There are chances of collision of the robotic arms in some extreme positions.
Conclusion:
Even though conventional laparoscopic methods are available, advanced techniques like robotic hernia surgery can minimize complications and help in faster recovery. In this fast-paced world where time is money, advancements like this are a boon for patients and doctors. Before opting for this surgery, the doctor will analyze the patient's condition, discuss with the patient the various treatment options available, and then make an informed decision after ruling out all other complications.
