As technology continues to evolve, our world is reshaped by new devices, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge developments. Surgery is no exception. In recent years, there has been a rise of robotic surgeries seen in many common procedures, including inguinal hernia repairs. 

In a recent Italian based study, Michele Schiano di Visconte investigated the economic value of robotic inguinal hernia repairs compared to the current standard, the laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. 

The findings were clear.

Robotic inguinal hernia repairs are substantially more expensive, yet provide very little, if any, added clinical benefit to the patient.

In fact, the only statistical differences were cost related, and they did not favor robotic repairs. Factoring in the use of the robot itself and longer surgery times (25-40 mins longer than laparoscopic repairs), the robotic repairs were found to be €2,224 more expensive per case. That translates to $2,586.23 USD in added costs per patient.  

What does this prove?

“Fancier” does not always mean better. This study revealed that there was no difference in complication, readmission, or chronic pain rates for patients who underwent robotic repairs. The only meaningful distinction was the price. Therefore, as it stands, the robotic inguinal hernia repairs are not economically justifiable.

And perhaps the most surprising part? Neither the robotic or laparoscopic represent the best option for inguinal hernia repairs. As we investigated in our most recent blog post, The Truth About Hernia Repairs: New Study Favors Advanced Open Preperitoneal Repairs, new evidence continues to support the advanced open preperitoneal approach as the best repair for most patients. 

With a shorter surgery, less anesthesia, less pain, and quicker recovery time, the open preperitoneal repair is both clinically and economically superior.  This repair does not come without it’s challenges.  Only surgeons who are experts at laparoscopic repair have the background to learn the open preperitoneal repair. Insurance reimbursement in the US is so low for this repair that hospitals and surgeons are eliminating it from what they offer to patients. That leaves the US with only a handful of surgeons who are experts in this repair and a surgical community that is looking for “prospective, randomized, double blinded” research to see if this repair is as good as it appears.  

With all of that said, there is a time and place for laparoscopic and robotic hernia repairs. They can be the best approach for extremely complex hernias or for patients with a high BMI. However, for most people, the most straightforward approach is the best one. 

The research:

MacQueen IT, Milky G, Shih IF, Zheng F, Chen DC. Surg Endosc. 2024 Sep;38(9):5153-5159. doi: 10.1007/s00464-024-11040-1. Epub 2024 Jul 22. PMID: 39039294

Reinhorn M, Fullington N, Agarwal D, Olson MA, Ott L, Canavan A, Pate B, Hubertus M, Urquiza A, Poulose B, Warren J. Posterior mesh inguinal hernia repairs: a propensity score matched analysis of laparoscopic and robotic versus open approaches. Hernia. 2023 Feb;27(1):93-104. doi: 10.1007/s10029-022-02680-0. Epub 2022 Sep 20. PMID: 36125632; PMCID: PMC9931785.

Rodrigues-Gonçalves V, Verdaguer-Tremolosa M, Martínez-López P, Fernandes N, Bel R, López-Cano M. Hernia. 2024 Aug;28(4):1355-1363. doi: 10.1007/s10029-024-03050-8. Epub 2024 May 4. PMID: 38704470

Schiano di Visconte M. (2025). Cost-utility of robotic versus laparoscopic TAPP for inguinal hernia: a model‑based analysis from a public payer perspective. Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery, 30(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-025-03513-6

New year’s resolutions, insurance changes, and of course… updated hernia content.

A few months ago, I began my social media journey with a simple goal: to connect with patients and share practical, honest education about hernias. To do that, I launched accounts on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, each focused on promoting positive, evidence-based healthcare advice in a way that’s easy to understand.

In 2026, I decided to create a theme for each month. January’s theme was “New Year, New You.” Across eight short-form videos, I explored core strength, hernia anatomy, and my perspective on the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Let’s break it down.

Core Strength & Prevention

I kicked off the month with content centered on core strength and exercise. Like many people, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to get in the best shape of my life. While that’s a common goal, it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? To make your resolution more digestible, I outlined five movements that are key to building a strong, functional core:

• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Rows
• Presses

Anti-rotation exercises

These exercises do far more than help you build visible abs. Functional core strength plays a major role in overall stability, injury prevention, and of course, reducing the risk of developing hernias. In later videos, I answered questions like “does lifting give you hernias?” and “does exercise make your hernia worse?”

Spoiler alert: Proper strength training decreases your risk of hernias, it doesn’t increase it. But work with a strength coach or personal trainer to individualize your plan. Just like there is no one size fits all solution for hernia surgery, core strength requires individualized attention as well to prevent injury.

Hernia Education & Fast Recovery Repair

As the month progressed, I transitioned into more direct hernia-related content. I focused on the anatomy of the groin and my specialty: fast recovery hernia repair.

The truth is, about 25% of men will develop a hernia at some point in their lives. When that happens, education is everything. Patients should understand their anatomy, their options, and which repair is best suited for their lifestyle and goals.
These videos were designed to empower patients with knowledge so they can have more informed, confident conversations with their surgeons.

Healthcare Trends & Patient Advocacy

To wrap up the month, I shifted toward broader healthcare topics. With ongoing changes in insurance coverage, primary care access, and referrals, many of my patients feel confused and frustrated. I wanted to use my platform to help clarify, explain how they impact surgical care, and encourage patients to advocate for themselves.

Healthcare is evolving quickly, and patient education has never been more important.

January set the tone for what’s to come in 2026: clear education, honest conversations, and patient-first content. I’m excited to continue building on this foundation as each month brings a new theme, and new ways to help patients better understand their health.

Stay tuned for February’s focus, as we dive into RED FLAGS for hernias.

Check out some of my posts:

@cutmemicki

As a small private practice in Boston, it’s vital that we keep up with times to maintain our presence in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.  

Perhaps the biggest shift in healthcare I’ve seen this year is the use of social media for healthcare education.

Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, doctors across the world are building communities, spreading awareness, and educating the public. This year alone, we’ve seen patients who found us through ChatGPT…something I never could have predicted just a few years ago.

In June of 2025, I stepped into the media space, coining the name “CutMeMicki”. Over the last six months, I have created content relating to hernia care, healthcare education, and my personal journey as a surgeon.

And, what have I learned?

If social media has taught me anything, it is that people value genuine human connection.

The posts I made that resonated the most weren’t highly produced or funny, they were the honest ones.

My main focus has been creating educational posts about hernia symptoms, recovery, and surgery. Through that, I have connected with patients who have already undergone a repair, those seeking next steps, or people who are unfamiliar with what a hernia is.

On top of that, I’ve created videos offering medical school and residency advice, which sparked conversations with students navigating their future. As part of the Tufts Medical School faculty, I’ve really enjoyed guiding students through surgery, and social media has allowed me to expand that mentorship beyond Boston.

I’ve even posted about my own journey, from day in the life videos to my journey with therapy. These behind-the-scenes glimpses into life as a surgeon to remind people that doctors are human, too.

Why this matters: 

Healthcare doesn’t start at an initial consultation.

For many patients it starts online with a 2 a.m Google search, an Instagram search trying to make sense of a diagnosis, or when they’re scared, unsure, and looking for someone they can trust.

Social media allows us to educate patients before they walk through our doors.

Looking into 2026

In 2026, I hope to continue sharing my perspectives on social media. I plan to dive deeper into conversations about the healthcare system as a whole, while continuing to pursue my genuine passion for hernia care and patient education.

I’ll see you all there.