Incisional Hernias - Da Vinci
From Large Incisions to Robotic Surgery – Incisional Hernias
Incisional Hernia – A Common Complication After Abdominal Surgery
An incisional hernia, also known as a scar hernia, is one of the most common long-term complications following abdominal surgery. It develops at the site of a previous surgical incision, where the abdominal wall gradually weakens and can no longer adequately support the internal organs.
Patients usually notice a bulge in the area of the surgical scar that gradually increases in size over time. In addition to being an aesthetic concern, an incisional hernia may cause pain, a feeling of pressure, reduced physical activity, and, in more severe cases, bowel incarceration requiring emergency surgical treatment.
Until about a decade ago, the treatment of large incisional hernias almost always required another major operation. The surgeon had to reopen the previous incision, extensively separate the surrounding tissues, reconstruct the abdominal wall, and reinforce it with a surgical mesh. Although effective, these procedures were associated with greater postoperative pain, a higher risk of wound complications, and a significantly longer recovery period.
Robotic Surgery Enables Faster Recovery
Today, even large incisional hernias can be treated using a minimally invasive robotic approach. Through several small incisions, the surgeon uses the robotic system to precisely release adhesions, reconstruct the abdominal wall, and position the surgical mesh in the optimal anatomical location.
The benefits for patients are significant: less postoperative pain, a lower risk of wound infections and complications, a shorter hospital stay, and a much faster return to everyday activities. While patients undergoing traditional abdominal wall reconstruction often remained in hospital for seven to ten days, most patients who undergo robotic surgery are discharged after just two nights.
Advances in robotic surgery have made it possible to perform even the most complex abdominal wall reconstructions with minimal trauma to the patient. Procedures that once required a large incision and prolonged recovery can now often be performed through just a few small incisions measuring only a few millimetres.
Benefits of Robotic Incisional Hernia Surgery
• Small incisions instead of reopening a large surgical scar
• Less postoperative pain and reduced need for pain medication
• Lower risk of wound infections and wound-related complications
• Shorter hospital stay – typically only two nights
• Faster return to daily activities and work
• Suitable for large and complex incisional hernias following extensive abdominal surgery
Assoc. Prof. Marko Kraljević, MD
MEDICAL TEAM
Assist. Prof. Marko Kraljević performs advanced robotic incisional hernia surgery at IMC Priora using the Da Vinci robotic system, with a focus on safety, precision, and faster patient recovery. Through an individualized approach, he provides effective abdominal wall reconstruction using minimally invasive surgical techniques.
