Chandigarh, August 19, 2025: The Department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopic and Robotic), Fortis Hospital Mohali, has given a new lease of life to several elderly patients suffering from complex hernias via the world’s most advanced 4^th Generation Robot – Da Vinci Xi. In all cases, timely intervention was critical, as a delay could have caused serious, even life-threatening complications.

In the first case, an 80-year-old man had been experiencing acute pain in the abdomen, swelling and rapid heartbeat. He had previously undergone hernia surgery but continued to suffer from recurrent infection and worsening symptoms. Despite consulting several hospitals, surgery was repeatedly advised against due to his advanced age.

Unable to bear the discomfort, the patient met Dr Iqbal Singh, Senior Consultant, and Laparoscopic Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali. Dr Singh diagnosed his condition as Recurrent Inguinal Hernia – when the tissue get pushed through an opening in the abdominal wall, particularly the groin area, or at the site of a previous surgical repair. A delay in treatment would have caused intestinal obstruction (blockage that prevents food and fluids to get digested in the intestines) a potentially fatal complication.

Despite the complexity of the case, Dr Singh decided to conduct robot-assisted hernia repair surgery. The patient had a smooth, post-operative recovery and was discharged on the next day of the procedure. He has recovered and is leading a normal life today.

In another case, an 88-year-old woman was presented with a large incisional hernia (bulge of tissue through a surgical scar) along with complicated gall stone disease. Dr Singh conducted robot-assisted incisional hernia repair and robot-assisted cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). The patient recovered well and was discharged three days after the procedure.

Speaking on the development, Dr Singh, said, “We’ve also performed robot-aided TEP (Totally Extraperitoneal) repair for inguinal hernia. This advanced technique is performed without entering the abdominal cavity, thereby reducing the risk of intra-abdominal complications. Such world-class advanced techniques are available at a few select centres such as Fortis Mohali.”

On the benefits of robot-aided surgery, Dr Singh, added, “Robot-aided surgery has transformed the field of minimal invasive surgery. The technology provides a 3D view of the operative field via a special camera inserted into the body of the patient. Robot-assisted arms exhibit more dexterity than the human hand, which can rotate 360 degrees. Robot-assisted surgery also ensures less blood loss, shorter hospitalization and fast recovery.”