8 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A U G U S T 2 0 1 7
M
inimally
invasive
surgery
has
become
standard for a steadily
increasing number of proce-
dures. But for inguinal her-
nia repairs, the minimally
invasive approach is still the
exception. Robots have the
potential to help bridge that
gap.
Laparoscopic hernia
repairs, when performed by
surgeons who have the req-
uisite skill and experience,
provide shorter recovery
times, less chronic pain, less
scarring, less chance of
infection, and earlier returns to work and normal activities. But for
residents, laparoscopic training for hernia repair tends to be minimal,
at best, and admittedly, the learning curve is extremely high.
The Case for
Robotic Hernia
They're a minimally invasive opportunity for the vast majority of sur-
geons who haven't had a chance to master laparoscopic hernia repair.
Shirin Towfigh, MD, FACS | Beverly Hills, Calif.
• ROBOT ADVOCATE Dr. Towfigh has demonstrated that for mesh
removal and revisional hernia surgery, robotic surgery is more effective
than laparoscopic surgery.
Aaron
Reyes
