Laparoscopic hernia surgery vs robotic hernia surgery: Which is best for me?

Laparoscopic hernia surgery and robotic hernia surgery are two minimally invasive surgical procedures for hernia repair. Both come with their own benefits and advantages. In his latest article, Professor Mansoor Khan explains both of these options in detail, including the differences, advantages of each and how the method is chosen.

What is laparoscopic hernia surgery?

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to repair a hernia. In a hernia, a part of the intestine or other abdominal tissue protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall. This can cause pain, discomfort, and other symptoms. Laparoscopic hernia surgery is performed through small incisions in the abdomen, using specialized instruments and a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a light and camera on the end. The laparoscope is inserted through one of the incisions, and the surgeon uses it to view the inside of the abdomen and repair the hernia.

Laparoscopic hernia surgery has several benefits compared to traditional open surgery. It is generally less invasive, with smaller incisions and less scarring. It may also result in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery time, and less post-operative pain. However, laparoscopic hernia surgery may not be suitable for all patients, and the decision to use this approach will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.

What is robotic hernia repair?

Robotic hernia repair is a type of minimally invasive surgery that is performed using a surgical robot. In this procedure, the surgeon sits at a console and controls the robot, which is equipped with specialized instruments and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and camera on the end). The robot is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen, and the surgeon uses it to view the inside of the abdomen and repair the hernia.

Robotic hernia repair has several potential benefits compared to traditional open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. It may result in smaller incisions, less scarring, and less post-operative pain. It may also allow for more precise surgery, as the robot's instruments can move in a wider range of motion than a human hand. However, robotic hernia repair is a relatively new technique and further research is needed to fully understand its benefits and risks.

 How do laparoscopic and robotic surgery differ?

Laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery are both types of minimally invasive surgery that are performed through small incisions in the body, using specialized instruments and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and camera on the end). However, there are some key differences between the two approaches:

• Control of the instruments: In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon controls the instruments directly, using hand-held instruments inserted through the small incisions. In robotic surgery, the surgeon sits at a console and controls the instruments through the use of a computer and joystick.
• Range of motion: The instruments used in laparoscopic surgery have a limited range of motion, as they are constrained by the length of the laparoscope and the size of the incisions. The instruments used in robotic surgery, on the other hand, have a wider range of motion, as they are not constrained in the same way. This may allow for more precise surgery in some cases.
• Cost: Robotic surgery is generally more expensive than laparoscopic surgery, due to the cost of the surgical robot and the specialized training required for surgeons to use it.

Overall, both laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery can be effective approaches for a variety of surgical procedures, including hernia repair. The decision to use one approach over the other will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, as well as the training and expertise of the surgeon.

Which method of hernia surgery is better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which type of hernia surgery - robotic or laparoscopic - is better, as the best approach will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the preferences and expertise of the surgeon. Both approaches have potential benefits and drawbacks, and the decision of which approach to use should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a well-established surgical technique that has been shown to be safe and effective in many cases. Robotic hernia repair is a newer technique that is still being evaluated, and further research is needed to fully understand its benefits and risks.

However, the specific benefits and risks of each approach will depend on the specific circumstances of the case, and it is important for patients to discuss their options with their surgeon to make an informed decision.

How is one method chosen over another?

Several factors may be considered when deciding between laparoscopic and robotic surgery, including:

• The specific procedure being performed: Some surgical procedures may be better suited to one approach over the other. For example, certain procedures may be more challenging to perform laparoscopically due to the limited range of motion of the laparoscopic instruments, in which case robotic surgery may be a better option.
• The expertise of the surgeon: Both laparoscopic and robotic surgery require specialized training and expertise, and the surgeon's experience with a particular approach may be a factor in the decision.
• The preferences of the patient: In some cases, the patient may prefer one approach over the other, and this can be taken into consideration when deciding.
• The risks and benefits of each approach: The specific risks and benefits of laparoscopic and robotic surgery will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. It is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of each approach with their surgeon to make an informed decision.
• The availability of resources: Robotic surgery is generally more expensive than laparoscopic surgery, due to the cost of the surgical robot and the specialized training required for surgeons to use it. In some cases, the availability of resources may be a factor in the decision of which approach to use.

Ultimately, the decision of which approach to use - laparoscopic or robotic surgery - should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the case's specific circumstances and the surgeon's preferences and expertise.

Can both techniques be used simultaneously?

It is possible for laparoscopic and robotic surgery to be used simultaneously in certain cases. This approach, known as "hybrid laparoscopy," combines the benefits of both techniques and may be used in cases where the procedure being performed would be challenging to perform using either approach alone.

In hybrid laparoscopy, the surgeon controls the robot using a console and joystick, while also using laparoscopic instruments to assist with the surgery. The robot provides enhanced visualization and precision, while the laparoscopic instruments provide the surgeon with tactile feedback. This can allow for more complex procedures to be performed with greater precision and potentially fewer complications.

Hybrid laparoscopy is still a relatively new technique, and further research is needed to fully understand its benefits and risks. It may not be suitable for all cases, and the decision to use this approach will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the expertise of the surgeon.

Is the recovery time for both laparoscopic and robotic hernia surgery similar?

Both laparoscopic and robotic hernia surgery are generally less invasive than traditional open surgery, and as a result, they may be associated with shorter recovery times. However, the specific recovery time for an individual patient will depend on several factors, including the patient's overall health, the specific type of procedure that was performed, and the patient's ability to follow the surgeon's post-operative instructions.

In general, patients who undergo laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery may be able to return to work and other normal activities more quickly than those who undergo open surgery. However, it is important for patients to follow their surgeon's post-operative instructions and to allow their bodies sufficient time to heal to minimise the risk of complications and ensure a successful recovery.

Professor Monsoor Khan is a leading consultant general, upper GI and trauma surgeon with over 20 years of experience. If you would like to book a consultation with Professor Khan you can do so today via his Top Doctors profile.