Inguinal Hernia Repair Following a Robotic Prostatectomy
Dr. Mark Reiner has extensive experience working with Inguinal Hernia Repair following a Robotic Prostatectomy. He has performed countless surgeries and fully services the New York Metropolitan area.
A laparoscopic or robotic inaugural hernia repair, following a robotic, or open prostatectomy, is more complex and difficult. Dr. Mark Reiner is a member of the urological prostatectomy team, at Mount Sinai hospital in New york city. He has extensive experience repairing inguinal hernias at the time of prostatectomy for following a prostatectomy.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as an intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles into the groin (inguinal) area. Inguinal hernias can be indirect, where they are caused by a birth defect in the abdominal wall. Or they can be direct, where there is a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall that develops over time or is the result of heavy lifting or straining.
What is a robotic prostatectomy?
Robotic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgery where robotic surgical equipment is used to remove the entire prostate. In a robotic laparoscopic technique, the prostate can be removed through small ports rather than long incisions.
How long does an inguinal hernia repair take?
When Dr. Reiner performs a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, the procedure usually takes from 30 to 45 minutes. These are typically outpatient procedures.
What are the risks of developing an inguinal hernia repair following robotic prostatectomy?
The most common complications after having a radical prostatectomy are urinary incontinence and impotence. But about 11 percent of patients develop an inguinal hernia following their prostatectomy. The odds are somewhat lower when robotic surgery is performed for the prostatectomy, but not dramatically lower. The real risk factors for developing a hernia after a prostatectomy are increasing age, low body mass index, and having had a previous hernia repaired.
What are the risks involved with the hernia repair?
These are low-risk procedures with Dr. Reiner. Results with laparoscopic and open hernia surgeries are comparable, but laparoscopic methods make for less discomfort and scarring, and they allow patients to get back to their normal activities sooner. If you’ve had previous hernia surgery, the minimally invasive approach used by Dr. Reiner enables him to avoid scar tissue from that previous hernia surgery.
The risks of inguinal hernia repair include excessive bleeding, infection, and enduring pain, but these are rare. The main risk of any hernia surgery is that the hernia can return.
What do I need to do to prepare for inguinal hernia surgery?
These are minimally invasive procedures with Dr. Reiner, but they are surgery so you’ll need to prepare as you would for any surgery. You’ll need to stop taking any blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications (Advil and other ibuprofen brands), and most herbal supplements for a few days prior to your surgery. These can all lead to increased bleeding.
If your job entails lifting, you’ll need to arrange for those duties to be given to someone else for a few weeks, as you won’t be able to lift anything more than a gallon of milk for a while. You’ll also want to bring down things in your house or living space that you need to reach up to grab. You’ll need to avoid these kinds of movements.
What can I expect with recovery after inguinal hernia repair?
Most people who have hernia surgery can return home the same day, with from one to two weeks for basic recovery from laparoscopic surgery, three weeks for open surgery. Any strenuous activity or lifting needs to wait for four to six weeks after surgery to not create any stress on the lower abdomen.
Patient Testimonial
“Dr. Reiner is an expert in his field. He immediately knew what needed to be done to help my husband. I highly recommend Dr. Reiner.”
Are inguinal hernia repairs following a robotic prostatectomy covered by insurance?
Not all inguinal hernias require surgical repair. But if they do need surgery this is covered by health insurance.
SCHEDULE YOUR HERNIA CONSULTATION TODAY!
If you are interested in inguinal hernia repairs following a robotic prostatectomy the first step to improving your health and getting back to your regular pain-free life is to schedule a consultation with an experienced hernia doctor. Dr. Mark Reiner is a top surgeon in the field of minimally invasive hernia repair, and has performed thousands of successful hernia operations. Contact Dr. Reiner today by calling 212.879.6677 or filling out the form on this page.