If your doctor has recommended a surgical procedure, you may have heard the term “minimally invasive surgery.” Many patients wonder what this means and how it differs from traditional surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery has transformed the way many procedures are now performed, helping patients recover faster and return to daily life sooner. Understanding the benefits enables patients to select the optimal surgical treatment plan for their condition.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a term for surgical techniques that allow surgeons to perform procedures through very small incisions instead of large ones.
While large incisions can allow a surgeon to reach organs with their hands, in minimally invasive surgery, small narrow tools are able to perform the necessary dexterous technical maneuvers.
Using these specialized instruments, in combination with tiny cameras, surgeons can operate with higher precision while minimizing disruption to surrounding body tissues.
Common minimally invasive techniques include:
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robot-assisted surgery
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Endoscopic procedures
During these procedures, a small camera provides detailed images of the surgical area on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to guide instruments with accuracy.
What is traditional "open" surgery?
Traditional open surgery typically requires a larger incision so the surgeon can directly access the area being treated. Open surgery is still necessary and appropriate for certain conditions or emergencies. However, when minimally invasive techniques are an option, most patients benefit from this less invasive approach.
Benefits of minimally invasive surgery
Minimally invasive surgery is incredibly beneficial for patients when it is an option.
Smaller incisions
One of the biggest differences patients experience is the size of the incision. Smaller incisions are less traumatic to the body, less burdensome for the immune system to heal, less likely to cause wound complications such as infection, less likely to develop into a hernia, and less visible after healing.
Less pain after surgery
Because minimally invasive procedures are less disruptive, patients often experience less postoperative pain compared to open surgery. This typically reduces the need for pain medication during recovery.
Faster recovery time
Most patients are able to recover more quickly, spend less time in the hospital, and return to normal activities sooner. Many minimally invasive surgeries even allow patients to return home the same day.
Reduced risk of infection
Smaller incisions lower the risk of infection and other wound-related complications. This also reduces the risk of developing a hernia after surgery.
Shorter hospital stay
Compared to open surgery, minimally invasive procedures typically involve shorter hospital stays, which can help patients recover comfortably at home sooner.
Less blood loss
Minimally invasive techniques are associated with reduced blood loss during surgery, which may decrease the likelihood of needing a blood transfusion.
Improved precision
Advanced imaging technology and robot-assisted systems can provide surgeons with enhanced visualization that leads to greater precision during surgery.
Common procedures performed minimally invasively
Many types of surgeries can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques, including:
- Bariatric surgery
- Gallbladder removal
- Hernia repair
- Colon surgery
- Gynecologic procedures
- Anti-reflux operations
- Orthopedic procedures
- Urologic surgery
- Thoracic surgery
Advancements in surgical technology, such as robotic surgery, continue to expand the complexity of procedures that can be performed with minimally invasive approaches.
Talk to your surgeon about minimally invasive surgery
If surgery has been recommended, consider asking your doctor if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery. Discussing this consideration with your surgeon can help you to make an informed decision about your optimal care plan.
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