Robotic surgery: a single incision for outpatient hiatal hernia repair

For the first time in France, Dr SAGET, a digestive surgeon at the Turin Clinic, has performed a hiatal hernia repair with robotic anti-reflux assembly through a single 2cm incision, also known as a Single Site.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux corresponds to retrosternal burning more or less associated with pain. These symptoms are due to acid reflux from the stomach into the oesophagus, irritating it.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is often linked to a part of the stomach rising into the thorax, known as a hiatal hernia, which can cause acid reflux.

Surgical treatment consists of repositioning the stomach in the abdomen and creating an anti-reflux device to prevent gastric juices from ascending into the oesophagus.

Until now, this operation has been performed laparoscopically, using four to six skin incisions, a camera and several forceps. Robotic surgery represents a new advance in this pathology, offering surgery with a single incision for precise, simplified dissection and sewing. This new approach makes it possible to perform the operation in excellent conditions, with a clear aesthetic benefit for the patient, since there is only one incision in the umbilicus.

We also hope that this single approach will reduce post-operative pain and enable patients to be rehabilitated earlier, with a quicker return to normal life. The operation was carried out on an outpatient basis, with the patient being admitted the same day and discharged in the evening.