Keeping mesh outside the abdominal cavity. Late night commercials and ads on television place fear in our patients regarding the use of mesh in hernia repairs. While the majority of these concerns are unfounded, there is a bit of truth in trying to avoid placing mesh within the peritoneal cavity to avoid contact with the bowel. Therefore, the use of robotic surgery has allowed hernia specialists to perform the repair without having to place mesh inside the abdomen. This is performed by sewing the hernia closed and placing mesh between the muscle layers of the abdominal wall, rather than inside.
Robotic extended total extraperitoneal repair (eTEP)
Several recent studies have demonstrated short term recurrence rates are 1% or less and hospital length of stay averages 0.2 days. What these data demonstrate is that most of these patients have outpatient procedures with very few complications. Because of the minimally invasive approach, even high BMI patients can benefit.
- 3 – 8mm incisions regardless of hernia size (excellent cosmesis)
- Mesh far away from bowel (No mesh erosions)
- Outpatient surgery (No hospitalization required)
- Recovery 1-2 weeks (Faster return to normal life)
