HYGEIA: Innovative Robotic Abdominal wall Hernia Repair Method

20 March 2019

The first in Greece using the DaVinci Xi robotic system

An innovative abdominal hernia repair method performed at HYGEIA Hospital is opening up new prospects in the treatment of patients with complex postoperative abdominal hernias. The method involves transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) and simultaneous mesh placement in the extraperitoneal space.

This method permits closure/repair of the abdominal muscle wall even in large openings, over 8-10 cm, as well as the simultaneous placement of a mesh outside the peritoneal cavity, right behind the rectus abdominis muscle, in a position that does not pose a risk for abdominal adhesions, fistulas and mesh contamination.

The technique is performed by the HYGEIA Hospital 1st Surgery Clinic team of surgeons, headed by Dr Periklis-Iosif Chrysocheris, using the traditional open method, and successfully repairing very difficult and complex cases of abdominal hernias.

The same procedure was recently performed with minimally invasive techniques (through 7 mm holes), using the most advanced technology in endoscopic surgery, the DaVinci Xi robotic system. The procedure was performed by Dr Chrysocheris and his team, under the supervision of the leading expert in this surgical field internationally, Dr Conrad Ballecer, who has trained Dr Chrysocheris. The patient was discharged on the first postoperative day in excellent health.

As noted by the HYGEIA Hospital 1st Surgery Clinic Director, Dr Periklis Chrysocheris, “This procedure is being widely performed in the USA, since clinical studies have shown that it is superior to other abdominal hernia repair methods. Additionally, the robotic-assisted version can significantly reduce hospitalization times and postoperative pain for the patient. It is performed in just a few centers across Europe and we are extremely proud to have introduced this method to HYGEIA Hospital. As for training on this procedure, it has a steep learning curve and the surgeon needs to have been trained on similar open procedures, but also have experience in laparoscopic/robotic surgery.”