How Hernias are Repaired

Types of Hernia Repair Procedures

When an organ pushes through the muscle or tissue holding it in place, surgical intervention is necessary to prevent dangerous complications. The health experts at St. John’s are here to shed some light on the different types of procedures used to repair this issue.

Open Hernia Repair

Open hernia repair is the more traditional method, involving an incision being made close to the hernia to help the surgeon locate the “sac” or opening in the abdominal wall that contains the bulging organ. Once located, the bulging organ is pushed back into the abdomen. The surgeon will then close the opening in the abdominal wall with stitches; oftentimes, mesh is also sewn into place to provide additional support for the abdominal wall.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic hernia repair is a less invasive procedure than open hernia repair. Here, the surgeon will make 3 to 5 small incisions in the lower abdomen where a device called a laparoscope will be inserted into one of the openings. This device allows the surgeon to see the inside of the abdominal wall. Other surgical tools are then inserted into the other incisions, allowing the surgeon to repair the hernia in the same way that an open hernia repair is performed.

Robot-Assisted Hernia Repair

Robotic surgery for hernia repair is a newer technique that is designed to make the procedure less invasive, resulting in smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery. Similarly to a laparoscopic hernia repair, a laparoscope is used to allow the surgeon to see inside the abdomen during the procedure—however, the surgeon is controlling their surgical instruments from a console with the help of a robot.

With the help of 3D images of the inside of the abdomen and the robot-assisted instruments, it allows the surgeon to be more precise, resulting in the following benefits:

• Smaller incisions
• Less scarring
• Lower risk of infection
• Faster recovery time

Hernia Repair Surgery in Jackson, Wilson, and Teton County

At St. John's Health, we are dedicated to providing ever-advancing individualized care. Our highly skilled surgeons use state-of-the-art robotics to assist with various surgeries in Jackson, WY. Robotics allow surgeons to be more precise, and carry out minimally invasive procedures that help patients to feel better, faster.

Talk to your surgical care team today to discuss your robot-assisted surgery options at St. John's Health.