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If you have a hernia, it’s likely you’ll need surgery to repair it. Learn how advancements in robotic and laparoscopic surgery have simplified hernia repair.
Hernias occur in over 5 million Americans each year, causing pressure or pain that affects mobility and quality of life. If you have a hernia, treatment may be easier than you expect thanks to the advancements in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
At Sierra Pacific Surgical, we offer minimally invasive surgery on an outpatient basis to treat all types of hernias.
Our highly skilled surgeons use the latest laparoscopic and robotic surgery technologies to repair your hernia without damaging surrounding tissue. This means you can heal faster and get back to your routine sooner than you might after traditional surgery.
What to know about hernias
A hernia develops when inner organs push through a weak spot in a muscle or other tissue. Most often, it’s the abdominal organs that bulge through the walls of the abdominal cavity, but a hernia can also occur in other areas of the body.
Other types of hernias include:
Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when a part of the bowel pushes into the passage known as the inguinal canal that runs down the inner thigh. This type of hernia generally affects more men than women.
Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when the top part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm and pushes up through the opening in the chest.
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia describes the protrusion of the intestines through an opening in the abdominal wall near the belly button.
Femoral hernia
A femoral hernia develops when fatty tissues push into the femoral canal in the groin.
Why you have a hernia
An injury, surgery, a chronic cough, or pregnancy can create a weak spot that allows the hernia to form. Some people may also be susceptible to hernias because of structural issues in their soft tissues that are present at birth.
The first sign of a hernia typically appears when you exert yourself physically. You might feel a bulge in your abdomen or groin that becomes more prominent when you bend over.
Without treatment, some hernias can cause serious complications. For instance, if a hernia gets stuck, it can lose its blood supply (strangulation) and lead to the death of tissue (necrosis). It’s important to get a medical evaluation as soon as you notice a hernia, so you can explore your treatment options.
Treating a hernia with minimally invasive surgery
Most hernias require surgery to repair the weak spot in the muscle. During your procedure, our Sierra Pacific Surgical team uses advanced robot-assisted technology to access the herniated tissue and restore it to its original position.
Your surgeon uses specialized surgical tools that fit through very small incisions. They control a set of robotic arms that hold the tools to reposition herniated tissue and fortify weak spots in the muscle. Using the robotic arms allows your surgeon to operate with a high level of precision to minimize damage in surrounding tissue.
Laparoscopic and robotic surgery offers many benefits over traditional open surgery. Not only can you recover faster, but you also have less postoperative pain. Additionally, minimally invasive techniques minimize the risk of visible scars.
Call Sierra Pacific Surgery in El Dorado, Sacramento, or Roseville, California, today to schedule a hernia consultation and find out if you’re a candidate for robotic surgery. You can also book an appointment online.