HSICON 2023: Hernia Society of India joins hands with Intuitive India to acquaint surgeons with latest techniques

New Delhi: The Hernia Society of India (HSI), joined hands with Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), to conduct a national conference for hernia surgeons across India, in Hyderabad.

The three-day long conference named HSICON 2023, which took place last week, was aimed at bringing together a diverse assembly of surgeons, experts, and healthcare professionals under the theme ‘Hernia Simplified: Repair to Reconstruction’ with an emphasis on new-age surgical techniques like robotic-assisted surgery.

The conference included live surgical demonstrations, a hallmark of the event, which provided attendees with firsthand insights into intricate surgical procedures with advanced surgical robots like the Da Vinci. Over the three days, experts showcased their skills, and shared valuable techniques and approaches that garnered attention from both seasoned practitioners and budding surgeons. These live sessions facilitated the exchange of practical knowledge and showcased the advancements in minimal access and robotic repairs. With the era of evidence-based medicine, the conference aimed to impart adequate knowledge on various new-age technological solutions for Hernia Repair.

As a part of this conference, The Hernia Society of India along with Intuitive had formulated a comprehensive programme to ensure extensive hands-on learning on robotic-assisted surgery for the surgeons, at their Xi experience center. This center was equipped with Intuitive’s latest Da Vinci Xi technology, and other state-of-the-art facilities such as wet lab. This center also demonstrated advanced technologies for real-time visual assistant, dual grip technology, and suturing & simulation exercises. Intuitive’s robotic-assisted surgery simulator, SimNow was also used at Xi Experience center.

Dr. Kona Lakshmi, Organising Chairperson, HSICON 2023, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the event and said, “Hernia is still one of the most common surgical issues and the science of treating it continues to evolve. Through initiatives like HSICON 2023, we have embarked on a journey to collectively address this concern. Our focus extends beyond traditional approaches as we explore an array of advanced surgical modalities and technologies tailored to the unique contours of the Indian scenario. By enriching the collective understanding within the surgical community, we are steering the course towards more effective solutions that align with the distinctive needs of our patients.”

To ensure an extensive knowledge-sharing experience for the attendees, case-based discussions, and panels shed light on abdominal wall reconstruction techniques, with a special session on robotic-assisted hernia repairs from top faculty in India. Discussions and presentations covering many aspects of hernias and abdominal wall reconstruction were well-curated and presented by renowned faculty.

Dr. Randeep Wadhawan, Treasurer- The Hernia Society of India and The head of the department of minimal access surgery at Manipal Hospitals, New Delhi, highlighted how new-age technologies have impacted the landscape of Hernia treatments and said, “When it comes to Hernia treatments, surgery is the primary remedy to prevent potential intestinal complications. In Hernia cases, 50% are primary hernias, 30% are incisional and 20% are recurrent, which requires re-surgery. Advanced RAS technologies like the Da Vinci help in reducing the cases of reoccurrence of hernia with its enhanced precision, dexterity and visualization. It also provides us with a larger space to access and place the mesh without encountering inherent surgical difficulties. This translates to improved outcomes, reduced pain, faster recovery, and earlier discharge for patients. I am sure that the live surgery sessions and the Xi experience centre at the HSICON 2023 will help more and more surgeons to take up robotic-assisted surgery in their regular surgical practice.”

Dr. Kona Lakshmi, Organising Chairperson, HSICON 2023, added, “Amidst the dynamic landscape of hernia treatment, the emergence of new surgical technologies like robotic-assisted surgery, has brought about a transformative shift, illuminating the potential for enhanced patient care and surgical precision. Through HSICON2023, we are fueling this evolution. The fusion of technological finesse and surgical expertise witnessed during the live demonstrations showcased the capability of these innovative modalities to offer meticulous, minimally invasive procedures. This shift towards more refined and sophisticated approaches holds the promise of reduced patient discomfort and expedited recovery times, reshaping the landscape of hernia treatment. The conference marked a pivotal moment, where knowledge and technology converged to elevate patient care and redefine the horizons of hernia surgery.”

More than 550 surgeons from across the country attended the 17^th edition of HSICON. The organizing committee is also planning to conduct this conference in the coming years.

The Hernia Society of India (HSI), a distinguished surgical association representing India in the Asia Pacific Hernia Society (APHS), has consistently led initiatives focused on skill enhancement and medical advancement. With a future-focused approach, HSI aims to contribute to transformative changes in hernia treatment in India, addressing challenges and fostering innovative solutions.