Robotic Surgery

Robotic
Hernia
Surgery

Using the Da Vinci robotic surgical system, Mr Smellie delivers hernia repair with precision, minimal scarring and faster recovery — including complex cases such as rectus divarication not easily treatable by conventional laparoscopy.

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About the Procedure

What is Robotic Hernia Surgery?

A hernia occurs when fatty tissue or an organ pushes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. While many hernias can be managed conservatively, surgical repair is often recommended to prevent complications such as strangulation.

Traditional open hernia repair involves a larger incision and longer recovery. Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery reduced this significantly, but robotic surgery — using the Da Vinci system — takes precision further still, with 3D high-definition vision, tremor-filtering and instrumentation that can rotate 360 degrees inside the body.

Mr Smellie has a particular interest in the cosmetic outcomes of surgery. The robotic approach allows very small incisions — typically three ports of 8–12mm — resulting in minimal scarring and significantly reduced post-operative discomfort. Most patients go home the same day or the following morning.

Hernia Types Treated
Inguinal hernia (groin) — male and female
Femoral hernia
Umbilical hernia, including post-pregnancy
Incisional hernia
Rectus divarication (abdominal wall separation)
Redo / recurrent hernia repair
Advantages of Robotic Surgery
Minimal ScarringTiny incisions — typically 3 ports of 8–12mm — leave minimal visible scarring
Faster RecoveryMost patients return home the same day and to normal activities within 1–2 weeks
Greater PrecisionDa Vinci's 3D HD optics and wristed instruments provide unmatched dexterity
Complex CasesEnables repair of rectus divarication and bilateral hernias not easily treated laparoscopically
Less PainReduced tissue trauma means less post-operative pain and lower analgesic requirements
Procedures

Hernia Repairs Performed

01
Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair
The most common hernia type. Mr Smellie performs robotic TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal) repair using a mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. Bilateral (both sides) repairs can be performed in a single operation.
02
Robotic Femoral Hernia Repair
Femoral hernias are more common in women and carry a higher risk of strangulation. Robotic repair allows precise mesh placement in a narrow anatomical space with excellent visualisation.
03
Umbilical & Post-Pregnancy Hernia
Mr Smellie has a specialist interest in umbilical hernias in women following pregnancy, often associated with rectus divarication. Robotic repair allows simultaneous treatment of both conditions with excellent cosmetic results.
04
Rectus Divarication
Separation of the abdominal wall muscles (diastasis recti) following pregnancy. This cannot easily be repaired laparoscopically but the Da Vinci robot allows precise suture repair with minimal incisions and scarring.
The Technology

The Da Vinci Robotic System

The Da Vinci Surgical System is the world's leading robotic surgical platform, used in over 10 million procedures worldwide. Mr Smellie operates from a console with complete control of four robotic arms — each tipped with specialised instruments that can move with greater range than the human wrist.

The 3D high-definition camera provides 10x magnification of the operative field, giving Mr Smellie a level of visual detail impossible in open surgery. Tremor-filtering technology ensures movements are precise and controlled.

At Cleveland Clinic London, patients benefit from one of the most advanced surgical environments in the UK, with the full resources of a world-class hospital supporting every procedure.

Da Vinci Surgical Robot at Cleveland Clinic London
Da Vinci Surgical System
What to Expect on the Day
Admitted to Cleveland Clinic London on day of surgery
Procedure performed under general anaesthetic
Operation typically takes 45–90 minutes
Most patients discharged same day or next morning
Light activities resumed within days
Return to work typically within 1–2 weeks
Follow-up appointment at 2–4 weeks post-op
Mr W. James Smellie, Consultant Robotic Surgeon
Your Surgeon

Mr W. James Smellie

BA MB BChir(Hons) MD (Cantab) FRCS (Gen)

Mr Smellie is one of London's leading robotic hernia surgeons, operating exclusively at Cleveland Clinic London, Grosvenor Place. Cambridge-educated with over 24 years as a Consultant, he is BUPA Platinum recognised and trained on the Da Vinci robotic platform.

He has a particular specialist interest in complex and recurrent hernias, bilateral inguinal repair, and post-pregnancy umbilical hernias with rectus divarication — conditions where robotic surgery offers the greatest advantage over conventional techniques.

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Considering Hernia Repair?

Mr Smellie offers expert robotic hernia repair at Cleveland Clinic London. Call to discuss your options with no obligation.

0800 098 1942
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