Robotic Hernia Surgery

Robotic hernia surgery is a form of minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery in which your surgeon operates using a robotic surgical system — most commonly the da Vinci® platform. The surgeon sits at a console in the operating theatre and controls miniaturised instruments inside your body through small incisions, guided by a high-definition 3D camera.

The robotic system does not act independently — every movement is controlled in real time by your surgeon. The technology provides enhanced visualisation, greater precision, and wristed instrument movement that exceeds the range of the human hand. These advantages can be particularly valuable in hernia repair, where accurate mesh placement and careful tissue handling are essential for a durable result.

Inguinal Hernia (Groin Hernia)

The most common type of hernia. Robotic repair is especially useful for bilateral (both sides) or recurrent inguinal hernias, and for patients with obesity where conventional laparoscopic access can be more challenging.

Incisional / Ventral Hernia

Hernias that develop through a previous surgical scar. These can be complex, particularly if they are large or involve multiple defects. Robotic surgery allows precise dissection and accurate mesh placement even in difficult abdominal walls.

Umbilical / Paraumbilical Hernia

Hernias around the belly button. While many small umbilical hernias are repaired open, larger or recurrent ones benefit from a robotic approach with mesh reinforcement.

Hiatus Hernia

A hernia where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm. Robotic repair offers excellent access and visualisation in this technically demanding area.

Setup

Under general anaesthetic, small incisions (typically 8–12 mm) are made in the abdomen. Specialised ports are placed through which the robotic instruments and camera are introduced.

Docking

The robotic arms are connected (“docked”) to the ports. Your surgeon moves to the operating console and takes control of the instruments.

Key Steps

• The hernia defect is identified and the contents reduced (pushed back into place)
• The surrounding tissue is carefully dissected to create space for a mesh
• A lightweight synthetic mesh is positioned to cover the defect with adequate overlap
• The mesh is secured in place with sutures or tacks
• The peritoneum (inner lining) is closed over the mesh to prevent it from contacting the bowel

The entire procedure is performed through small incisions with no large open wound.

The comparison below shows how robotic hernia repair measures up against standard laparoscopic and open surgery. Both robotic and laparoscopic approaches offer significant advantages over open repair in terms of pain, recovery, and wound complications.

Before You Arrive

• Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before your procedure — you may have clear fluids up to 2 hours beforehand unless instructed otherwise
• Take your regular medications as normal with a small sip of water. Important exceptions: if you take blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, aspirin) or diabetes medication, contact the clinic for specific guidance — these require careful management around surgery
• Stop smoking as early as possible before surgery — smoking significantly increases the risk of wound complications and hernia recurrence
• Arrange for a responsible adult to collect you and remain with you for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic
• Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing — waistbands and tight clothing over the abdomen can be uncomfortable after surgery
• Bring your appointment letter and a complete list of your current medications

What to Expect on the Day

On arrival, a nurse will check your details, take observations, and complete your pre-operative assessment. Your anaesthetist will review you and discuss the anaesthetic plan. You will have the opportunity to ask your surgeon any final questions before your consent is reviewed.

After the procedure you will recover in the ward for 1–3 hours. Before discharge, the nursing team will ensure your pain is controlled, provide you with take-home analgesia, written aftercare instructions, and a follow-up appointment.

Pain Management

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how little discomfort they experience after robotic or laparoscopic hernia repair. Regular over-the-counter analgesics are usually sufficient:

• Paracetamol (1 g, four times daily) — take regularly for the first 3–5 days rather than waiting for pain to build
• Ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory (if appropriate for you) — take with food
• Stronger prescription analgesia will be provided if needed

After open repair, pain management is more significant in the first 1–2 weeks and your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain relief.

The Wound

Robotic and laparoscopic repairs leave 3–4 small port sites, typically 5–12 mm in size, closed with dissolvable sutures or skin glue. These require minimal care:

• Keep the wounds dry for 48 hours after surgery
• You may shower normally from day 2–3 — pat the wounds dry gently
• Avoid submerging wounds in a bath, swimming pool, or the sea until fully healed (usually 2 weeks)
• Some bruising and swelling around the port sites and in the groin (for inguinal hernias) is normal and will settle over 1–2 weeks
• It is common to feel a firmness or ridge under the skin where the mesh has been placed — this is normal and settles over several weeks to months

Swelling and Bruising

After inguinal hernia repair in particular, it is common to notice swelling in the groin or scrotum (in men) in the days after surgery. This is caused by fluid collecting where the hernia sac was, and is not a sign that the repair has failed. It usually settles within 2–6 weeks. Your surgeon will reassure you about this at your follow-up.

Bowel Function

It is normal for bowel function to be sluggish for 2–3 days after any abdominal surgery under general anaesthetic. Eat a high-fibre diet, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid straining. A short course of laxatives may be helpful if you feel constipated.

These are general guidelines. Your surgeon will give you individual advice at your follow-up appointment based on your specific repair and recovery.

Hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed operations in the world and serious complications are uncommon. Robotic and laparoscopic repairs carry a lower risk of wound-related complications than open surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the risks specific to your procedure and anatomy at your consultation.