Advancements in robotic surgery are helping lessen the discomfort of a hernia surgery.
Dr. Adrian Martin, a general and robotics surgeon at SIH, spoke to the SIH Second Act program recently about the technology.
He says the less invasive surgery, that doesn't require the surgeon to open up the patient, is a better option.
"We can do pretty extensive things with a robot and this translates into a lower rate of admissions and usually shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, probably considerably less pain."
The smaller incisions also lead to reduced blood loss, thus less damage to tissues surrounding the surgical site and less scarring.
Dr. Martin says most minimally invasive hernia surgeries are out-patient procedures.
He says says he's been performing robotic surgeries for about ten years.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the hernia. But, generally, they involve a bulge or lump that is visible or palpable, pain or discomfort, especially when straining, coughing, or lifting heavy objects and a feeling of fullness or pressure.