How long does hernia surgery take?

Basic hernia surgery is a common surgical procedure performed by general surgeons.

Complex hernia surgery is performed less often and by fewer surgeons. Because of the complexity of the hernia (previous failure, size of hernia, etc.), complex hernia surgery is more extensive in scope and time.  The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center performs both basic and complex hernia repairs and abdominal wall reconstruction.

How long does laparoscopic or robotic basic hernia surgery take?

The duration of a laparoscopic or robotic basic hernia repair depends on several factors. For a basic hernia repair, actual surgery time can take anywhere between 30-120 minutes, and the duration is mostly dictated by the size and the location of the hernia (inguinal, umbilical, ventral, hiatal, etc.).

While every case is unique, a general time frame of basic laparoscopic or hernia repair is as follows:

• Patient is admitted into hospital 2 hours before the scheduled start time
• Needed final pre-operative medical information is gathered and vitals recorded
• Patient is taken to the operating room and put under anesthesia (15 mins)
• Surgical prep begins (10-15 minutes)
• Actual surgical time (30-120 minutes)
• Patient in recovery room(60-120 minutes)
• Patient is discharged home

How long does robotic complex hernia surgery take to complete?

Complex hernias via robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery typically last two hours to five hours in actual surgical time. Complex hernias by definition are usually large, recurrent hernias that often require abdominal wall reconstruction. . Robotic surgery has allowed surgeons to perform some very complex hernia surgeries that usually required an open operation which translates into significantly less chances of wound complications and a faster recovery. In fact, the majority of patients undergoing robotic complex hernia repairs are discharged the same day or spend one night in observation.

While every case is unique, a general time frame of complex hernia repair via laparoscopic surgery is as follows:

• Patient is admitted into the hospital 2 hours before the scheduled start time
• Needed final pre-operative medical information is gathered and vitals recorded
• Patient is taken to the operating room and put under anesthesia (15 mins)
• Surgical prep begins (20-30 mins)
• Actual surgical time (2-5 hours)
• Patient in recovery room (60-120 minutes)
• Patient is discharged home or admitted for observation (23 hours)

How long does open complex hernia surgery take to complete?

Typical surgical time for open complex hernia surgery is between three to six hours. Some patients may not be candidates for robotic surgery due to the factors such as the size of the hernia, the need for skin removal, the need for bowel resection, the need for mesh removal, etc. Therefore, open complex hernia repairs typically are needed in more complicated cases and usually require a longer operative and recovery time.

While every case is unique, a general time frame of complex hernia repair via open surgery is as follows:

• Patient is admitted into hospital 2 hours before the scheduled start time
• Needed final pre-operative medical information is gathered and vitals recorded
• Patient is taken to the operating room and put under anesthesia (15 mins)
• Surgical prep begins (20-30 mins)
• Actual surgical time (3-6 hours)
• Patient in recovery room (60-120 minutes)
• Patient is admitted for observation (2-3 days)

No matter what kind of hernia repair you need, The Iskandar Complex Hernia Center is your answer. From a basic hernia surgery to the most complex of procedures, hernias are our sole focus. You’ll experience renowned expertise and unparalleled compassion while under our care.