Hernia Repair Program Offers Robotic Approach

For those with complex hernias, there’s no better place for treatment in the region than Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence.

“We have the experience, as we’ve been treating these complex hernias forever,” says Paul Cesanek, MD, Director of Robotic Surgery with Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence. “We are at the forefront of the newest techniques, which ultimately results in the best outcomes.”

Those techniques include robotic hernia surgery, which allows surgeons to use a minimally invasive approach to repair hernias others might not be able to treat. This results in less pain, fewer complications, smaller scars and a faster recovery time.

While the majority of hernia repairs are done robotically, the team matches the approach to the situation.

“We tailor the treatment for the patient based upon their needs,” Dr. Cesanek says. “Although we are strong advocates of the robotic approach, it’s not the right approach for everyone. A hybrid approach may be a better option for some patients. I might start robotically to avoid fluid and blood loss and only at the end, if necessary, convert to an open procedure.”

One of the biggest strengths of Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence is its multidisciplinary approach. This is especially helpful for those with comorbidities, such as diabetes and obesity. In addition to calling upon its general surgeons, the hernia repair program can tap into specialists in bariatrics, pulmonology, cardiology, radiology and plastic surgery.

“When someone has a need for weight loss or smoking cessation, we can get them help with that prior to going into surgery,” Dr. Cesanek says. “Or if they have a complex hernia, we might send them to radiology to get Botox injections into their muscle in order to create space for the hernia repair.”

One of the bigger frustrations for Dr. Cesanek and his colleagues is seeing people with a hernia that should have been addressed long ago.

“A lot of people come in and their hernias are more advanced because they had someone recommend watchful waiting,” he says. “It’s always better to get an evaluation and opinion about whether their hernia should be corrected now, so they don’t end up in a more complex situation down the road.”

The team is ready and willing to accept referrals and offer second opinions, especially for those complex cases that are difficult to tackle.