Need hernia surgery? Our minimally invasive robot offers less pain, faster recovery

New Options for Hernia Surgery: da Vinci Xi Surgical System

Open surgery used to be the only option for hernia procedures. Fortunately, that is not the case anymore. And, now, minimally invasive hernia procedures are even easier on patients at Inova Alexandria Hospital with the da Vinci Xi® surgical system, the latest model of the da Vinci robot.

There are several advantages to using the Xi, which features a 3-D environment and state-of-the-art instruments, according to surgeon Ambar Matta, MD. Here are a few:

Smaller incisions: Thanks to the da Vinci, incision sites are smaller. Not only does this minimize scarring, but it also results in a shorter stay in the hospital, says Dr. Matta, who specializes in hernia procedures. Larger incisions tend to increase pain and infection risk; incisions of only 5 to 10 millimeters reduce these factors.

Faster recovery: Even with conventional, minimally invasive hernia surgery, there is a certain degree of blood loss, and that can extend recovery times. The smaller incisions and more precise repairs lower blood loss, speeding up recuperation time, notes Dr. Matta.

Less pain: With the high amount of precision involved with the Xi, there tends to be lower post-surgical pain levels, Dr. Matta notes. “Procedures are less disruptive to the body, so that helps to keep pain controlled,” he says. “As a result, we see less use of pain medications.”

Quicker return to normal activities: Thanks to faster recovery and less pain, patients are often discharged from the hospital earlier than they would be for more conventional hernia surgery. “When patients can get back home and back to their routines, they’re able to get back to their everyday activities,” says Dr. Matta. “That’s especially true if they don’t need prescription pain medication, which is what we see with robotic-assisted surgery.”

Although the surgeons are in control at all times during a procedure, the Xi is a valuable addition to the surgical suite, for surgeons and patients alike.

Learn more about robotic surgery at inova.org/davinci.

Free lecture: Hernia causes & treatment options

Hernia: Causes, Symptoms and the Latest Treatment Options
with Dr. Ambar Matta

Thursday, June 21 at 6 p.m.
Inova Alexandria Hospital – Auditorium

Click to register online or call 1-855-My-Inova  (1-855-694-6682)

See all of Inova’s FREE upcoming Ask the Expert lectures at www.inova.org/asktheexpert