Robotic hernia repair surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can help surgeons perform highly complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions.

A hernia occurs when part of an organ protrudes through a weak area in the tissue that contains it.

During robotic surgery, your surgeon sits at a computerized workstation and uses finger movements to direct the robotic surgical instruments. The robotic surgery system gives the surgeon a high-definition, 3D view of the surgical site. This allows visibility into structures, vessels and nerves that are not visible with the naked eye.

The robotic instruments allow a greater range of motion than a human hand. The robotic system is completely under the surgeon’s control, and it allows the surgeon to make precise movements in a small area.

Compared to conventional open surgery, robotic surgery patients may experience a faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, minimal scarring and less post-operative pain, which can decrease the need for narcotic pain medication.

Surgeons from a variety of specialties use the da Vinci® robotic system to perform surgeries at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

Intuitive Surgical, the company that makes the da Vinci® surgical system, has designated Alta Bates Summit Medical Center as a Robotic Hernia Mentor/Case Observation Site. This designation means surgeons from around the country come to Alta Bates Summit Medical Center to learn the latest robotic surgery techniques for repairing complex hernias.