Ventral hernia – Fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdomen in the midline.

Incisional hernia – Tissue protrudes through the site of an abdominal scar from a remote abdominal operation

Generally in an “open” ventral hernia repair, the surgeon:

• Makes an incision through skin, muscle, and protective tissue in your abdomen at the site of the hernia. The size of the incision depends on the size of the hernia.
• Dissects the hernia sac free and removes adhesions.
• Pushes the contents of the hernia into place.
• Sometimes places artificial mesh over the hernia, and then binds the abdominal wall to the mesh.
• Closes the incision with sutures or surgical staples.
• Typical recovery time is 3-6 weeks.

Robotic Assisted Ventral/ Incisional Hernia Repair

In this minimally invasive procedure, which requires general anesthesia, the surgeon operates through three 8mm incisions in your abdomen. Gas is used to inflate your abdomen to make the internal organs easier to see.

A small tube equipped with a tiny camera (laparoscope) is inserted into one incision. Guided by the camera, the surgeon inserts tiny ports through other two incisions. The Robot is then docked to these tiny ports and assist in guiding the instruments under the surgeons control.

People who have Robotic repair have less discomfort and scarring after surgery and a quicker return to normal activities (usually 2-4 weeks).