Robotic Hiatal Hernia Surgery
Types of Surgeries for Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia is a medical condition where the upper part of your stomach sticks out into your hiatus (an opening for your diaphragm that connects your esophagus with your stomach). If the hernia is diagnosed as fatal, surgery is needed. There are three common of surgery for hiatal hernia, these are:
- Open Surgery
- Laparoscopic Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
Laparoscopic Surgery
It is a procedure that involves small incisions into which your surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a tiny tube with a camera attached to its end) and other surgical instruments for the procedure. The camera will provide a live feed during the procedure while it is inside your body.
This technique is minimally invasive which offers less blood loss, less pain, smaller scars, shorter stay at the hospital, and fast recuperation process. The only limitation of this procedure is that it only offers 2D imagery, and it has a limited range of motion which makes it difficult for surgeons to work with tight spaces in the body.
Robotic Surgery
This procedure includes the use of robotic arms controlled by a computer console. The procedure of this method is much similar to laparoscopic surgery, it provides greater accuracy, flexibility, and faster recuperation.
Through the help of a computer console, surgeons are able to deliver cutting edge precision on cuts and incisions. In addition, the robotic arms are able to reach areas that are previously unreachable in laparoscopic surgery.
With its high definition camera, surgeons are able to magnify 3D images to achieve greater accuracy and vision of the surgical area.
During the Procedure
Robotic and Laparoscopic surgery are very much alike. In robotic surgery, general anesthesia will be introduced to you before the operation begins. This implies that you will remain unconscious throughout the hiatal hernia surgery.
The surgeon will then position himself on the computer console to control the robotic arms for the operation. From here, your surgeon will then move on making for small incisions(using the robotic arms) strategically on your abdomen to access your hiatal hernia.
After that, an endoscope and other surgical instruments are inserted through the incisions. The camera provides an expansive view of the operating site which allows your surgeon to find a way around to avoid damaging nearby muscles and nerves during the operation.
Once on the operating site, your surgeon will try to pull back the protruding portion of your stomach back in place from the hiatus. From here, the upper portion of your stomach near the esophagus will be wrapped to tighten the sphincter, to avoid further acid reflux.
The surgeon will then proceed on stitching for every incision made inside your body, then one by one withdrawing all the surgical instruments out from your abdomen.
Finally, the surgeon will close the incision through stitching and patch it up with bandages.
Recuperation Process
After the operation, your surgeon will proceed in preparing your discharge paper once you meet certain conditions. Pain in the surgery area will keep coming for a couple of days. Expect to have a full recovery about one to two weeks, but avoid strenuous activities during the recuperation period.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
If you’re experiencing discomfort due to hiatal hernia or any other hernias, book a consultation with us today! We are committed on providing patient-centered care for you, and we make sure to guide you through the whole process. Contact us now!
