Teacher Shares Positive Experience with Robotic Hernia Surgery

In March 2017, 49-year-old Isabel Castañeda was rushed to the Emergency Department of The Medical City due (TMC) to severe gas pains. She was diagnosed with acid reflux and was advised to see a gastroenterologist.

Two days after or on March 17, Castañeda consulted Dr. Jonathan Sandejas, TMC gastroenterologist, who prescribed medicines for her acid reflux and likewise recommended that she undergo a colonoscopy.

“I had my colonoscopy on  March 18, 2017.  I felt relieved of the pain somehow. Dr. Sandejas told me that my intestines had difficulty digesting.  He gave me medication for this,” relates Castañeda.

Days after, Castañeda felt that although the pain had subsided, she felt weaker and had no appetite.

“I had difficulty walking and talking out loud.  I also noticed that I was not having bowel movements and neither was I releasing any gas except for some burping,” shares Castañeda.

Her doctor advised her to be admitted at TMC and to undergo CT scan of the stomach.

The diagnosis was incisional hernia from a previous caesarean section complicated with obstruction. The patient was advised to see a surgeon for the hernia repair.

An incisional hernia is a hernia that occurs through a previously made incision in the abdominal wall, that is, the scar left from a previous surgical operation. The incision was made in order to get to an internal organ such as the appendix, or in Castañeda’s case, a caesarean section. Incisional hernias are among the most common types of hernia.

She was referred to Dr. Vincent Ocampo, TMC surgeon, for her hernia repair.

“Aside from being very thorough in explaining my condition to me and what was needed to be done, Dr. Ocampo came highly recommended by our good friend, Dr. Mikey Bengzon.  He was also my husband’s surgeon when he had his appendectomy in January 2016.  I was comforted by the thought that I was in good hands,” says Castañeda.

The two types of surgeries – open hernia repair and minimally invasive hernia surgery - are recommended treatment options to repair an incisional hernia. Open hernia repair is said to be the most common surgical technique that involves making a skin incision over the affected site to make a hernia repair. 

On the other hand, laparoscopic hernia repair is a less invasive surgery that uses a small tube with a camera to repair the hernia. This surgical device is inserted into small incisions of the abdomen, where the surgeon can watch this procedure on a monitor.   

The third option is robot-assisted surgery. During a robotic surgery, the surgeon makes two to three small incisions away from the bulge and inserts a laparoscope which is a fiber-optic tube with a light source and camera attached to it, and other special miniaturized instruments through the incisions. The robotic arms hold the laparoscope and these instruments in place. These instruments help the surgeon perform the procedure with precision and control.

Both laparoscopy and robotics are considered minimally invasive surgery that can accomplish similar tasks on the inside, and are both considered safe options with a rapid recovery when done by experienced surgeons.

“We were convinced that robotics surgery was safe, more accurate and thorough.  We were also encouraged by the fact that the recovery would be faster than an open surgery,” says Castañeda.

On April 1, 2017, Castañeda underwent robotic hernia repair at TMC.

“Dr. Ocampo explained to me thoroughly what needed to be done.  He prepared me for the procedure by putting an NGT to help decompress my intestines.  Dr. Banzon (anaesthesiologist) also explained to me thoroughly what I will undergo before the procedure.  Dr. Ocampo also updated my husband and my sister during the procedure as to what they observed and what actions they took,” she adds.

After the procedure, Castañeda felt relieved that her intestines immediately functioned well again.

“By the nature of my job as a teacher, I was really on official vacation after my robotic surgery.  I only went back to work a month after.  What I marveled at was the fact that I was able to travel to the US 12 days after my robotic surgery,” says Castañeda.

Dr. Ocampo told her that her desire to follow her husband and son on their trip abroad would  depend onher recovery.

“Thus, I realized I had to be more serious about  managing my health.  He also told me that my condition could  recur if I do not take care of myself,” she adds.

Castañeda says she trusted her doctors completely and believes that they have genuine concern for her, as their patient partner.

Five months after her robotic hernia repair, Castañeda says she feels a lot better now.

“I am happy that my digestive system is functioning very well.  I am also happy that because of this experience I have become more conscious of my health.  I am happy that the dosage for my diabetes meds is now lower than before my surgery.  I also lost some weight which is something I have been struggling with for many years now,” shares Castañeda.