Minimally invasive surgery is a type of surgery that involves smaller incisions and less disruption to surrounding tissues than traditional open surgery. This type of surgery has been increasingly used in recent years due to its numerous benefits, including less pain, fewer complications, and a faster recovery time.
The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
One of the major advantages of minimally invasive surgery is the reduced trauma to surrounding tissues. Unlike traditional open surgery, which requires large incisions and significant cutting of muscles, nerves, and other tissues, minimally invasive surgery only requires small incisions, resulting in less bleeding, pain, and scarring. In addition, this type of surgery can lead to faster recovery times and a quicker return to normal activities.
Another advantage is the reduced risk of complications. Traditional open surgery carries a higher risk of complications such as infections, blood loss, and longer hospital stays. Minimally invasive surgery, on the other hand, has been shown to have a lower risk of complications, making it a safer option for many patients.
This type of surgery is also extremely precise because the surgeon utilizes video-assisted equipment during the procedure. The equipment provides the surgeon with superior visualization and magnification of internal organs and structures.
Patients should speak to their physician to find out if minimally invasive surgery is an appropriate option for them. Oftentimes, surgery is a last resort after medication and other non-invasive treatments have failed to address symptoms. Dr. Alireza Bozorgi takes a multidisciplinary approach when creating a treatment plan and patients may need to try other forms of treatment, such as medication, physical therapy, and regenerative medicine, before undergoing minimally invasive surgery.
Conditions Treated With Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including gynecological, urological, and gastrointestinal disorders. Some common procedures include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is the removal of the gallbladder, and laparoscopic hernia repair, which is the repair of a hernia through a small incision in the abdomen.
This type of surgery can address a wide range of health conditions:
- Tumors and cancer in the lungs
- Emphysema
- Heart valves
- Atrial fibrillation
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney stones
- Prostate cancer
- Kidney cysts
- Kidney removal, transplant, and blockage
- Difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements
Other conditions that may be treated through minimally invasive surgery include endometriosis, ovarian cysts, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, colon or rectal cancer, gallbladder cancer, and colectomy. Patients may also undergo surgery for pancreatic cancer, gallbladder infection or stones, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gastric bypass for obesity.
What to Expect During Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery involves the use of specialized instruments, cameras, and video monitors to guide the surgeon through the procedure. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the skin, usually less than half an inch, and inserts instruments through the incisions to access and operate on the affected area. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, and patients may be able to go home on the same day or the next day after the procedure.
Potential Risks
Though surgery is very safe, the risks may include infection at the incision site(s) and complications due to general anesthesia.