'Minimally invasive approaches make hernia treatment safer'

Prayagraj: Minimally invasive approaches like laparoscopic and robotic-assisted hernia surgeries have made treatment safer, more efficient and patient-friendly, said experts during a national symposium organised in city on Saturday.

The event held at Moti Lal Nehru Medical College and Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, Prayagraj under the banner of Hernia Conclave 2025, was conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI), said media incharge of SRNH Associate Prof Santosh Singh.

It brought together renowned surgeons and medical experts from across the country.

"Hernia surgery has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, making treatment safer, more efficient and patient-friendly. Minimally invasive approaches have largely replaced traditional open surgeries due to their smaller incisions, reduced pain and faster recovery times. Techniques such as TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal) and TEP (Totally Extraperitoneal) are now the gold standard for inguinal hernias. The use of 3D meshes and lightweight composite materials has significantly lowered the risk of infection," said organising chair Dr Probal Niyogi.

He said for complex ventral and incisional hernias, eTEP (Enhanced View TEP) and TAR (Transversus Abdominis Release) offer superior anatomical access and reduced recurrence rates.

The integration of AI-guided surgical navigation and robotic precision is poised to further transform the landscape of hernia surgery in India and globally.

Chief guest ASI president Dr Praveen Suryawanshi said such academic platforms help in adopting advanced techniques to provide better care to patients.

Principal of MLN Medical College, Prof Dr Vatsala Mishra said: "This symposium has enriched our academic tradition and underlined the department's leadership and commitment."

The sessions included a keynote lecture by Dr Parveen Bhatia on "Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: How to Handle Complications." Other highlights included talks by Dr Praveen Suryawanshi on surgical techniques, Dr Sanjay Sonar on recent advances like Fasciotens and PETEP, and Dr Pramod Shinde on endoscopic anatomy.

The final session featured a panel discussion on "What Not to Do in Ventral Hernia," moderated by Dr Bhatia.

Secretary Dr Vaibhav Srivastava said the aim was to share surgical advancements and enhance institutional collaboration. Guests included ASI's chief advisor Dr Shivakant Mishra and UPASI president Dr Nikhil Singh.