The method offers great advantages, both to the patient and to the surgeon performing the operation.

“However, given the complexity of a reoperation to treat a hernia, it is necessary condition the certification and experience of the surgeon in the performance of complex robotic operations”, points out Mr. Charalambos Spyropoulos, General Surgeon, Director of the 3rd Surgery Clinic, Co-Director of the Center of Excellence for Abdominal Hernia Surgery Metropolitan Generalwho explains to us how the recurrence of the hernia can occur, what the symptoms are and how it is treated.

What is a hernia recurrence?

“The term hernia recurrence refers in the recurrence of any hernia which has been treated surgically in the past. Relapse is an extremely unpleasant experience for the patient and occurs with greater or lesser frequency depending on:

  • The type of hernia that was initially treated
  • The surgical technique and approach followed in the initial operation
  • The special characteristics of the patient
  • The experience and skill of the surgeon

What are the main causes of its appearance?

At most likely causes of recurrence of a hernia include the following:

  • Increased intra-abdominal pressure, particularly when it occurs within a short period of time after surgical repair of the primary hernia. The main causes of increased intra-abdominal pressure are severe coughing, chronic constipation, obesity and heavy lifting.
  • Insufficient healing of the surgical wound in patients with a reduced immune response, such as neoplasms, diabetes mellitus or taking corticosteroids
  • Poor surgical technique during the initial treatment of the hernia: It refers to both the incorrect selection of the surgical method for a patient and the poor application of a technique on the part of the surgeon.
  • Inadequate post-operative care/ignoring instructions of the surgeon.

What symptoms accompany a hernia recurrence?

Recurrent hernia has similar symptoms to that of primary hernia.

Specifically, the more characteristic symptoms her is:

  • Appearance of a lump in the same area
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Feeling of pressure/heaviness/fullness
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

Symptoms usually vary depending on where the hernia is located. However, if the patient shows any of the above symptoms (especially if he has undergone hernia surgery in the past), then there is a high probability that he has experienced a recurrence”, emphasizes the expert.

Robotic surgical treatment of recurrent hernia

“After the presence of a recurrent hernia has been confirmed by the specialized surgeon in combination with the required imaging tests, a specific treatment plan will follow for the definitive treatment of the problem. The new minimally invasive techniques offer excellent advantages for patients, with robotic therapy being the most modern rehabilitation technique,” he adds.

Robotic surgery for hernia recurrence – Advantages

“Robotic technology,” concludes Mr. Spyropoulos, “is implemented using a sophisticated robotic system and offers multiple advantages:

  • It is a minimally invasive method.
  • Eliminates tissue injury and blood loss during surgery.
  • It allows easier navigation on the surgical field already damaged by the previous operation
  • It allows larger meshes to be placed in a targeted location with the aim of definitively treating the problem.
  • It reduces post-operative pain and the chances of post-operative complications.
  • It allows for quick recovery and a faster return to daily activities.
  • It uses advanced technologies such as special immunofluorescent “vision” and 3D enlarged visualization of the surgical field, for greater precision of movements.
  • Ensures better aesthetic results».