Minimally invasive procedure
Minimally invasive procedures are advanced surgical techniques designed to reduce the number and size of incisions made during surgery, leading to various patient benefits. These procedures often utilize robotic assistance or laparoscopic technology, where a small camera and instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to guide the surgery. Commonly referred to as keyhole surgery, laparoscopic techniques can address a range of medical conditions, including biopsies, hernia repairs, and certain cancer treatments. Compared to traditional open surgeries, minimally invasive approaches typically result in shorter recovery times, less blood loss, and reduced risk of infection, making them particularly advantageous for patients with obesity or older adults who face higher post-surgery complications.
While minimally invasive procedures are generally considered safer and less traumatic for the body, not all surgeries can be performed using these methods. Some complex cases may still require traditional open surgery for optimal results, and in certain situations, a procedure may start minimally invasive but necessitate a transition to an open approach. Patients are encouraged to discuss the potential risks and benefits of minimally invasive options with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for their individual health needs.
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Minimally invasive procedure
A minimally invasive procedure uses various techniques to reduce the size and number of incisions, or cuts, made during surgery. In some cases, these procedures are performed using robotic assistance. Some minimally invasive procedures are laparoscopic surgeries that involve inserting a thin, telescopic rod with a camera into a small incision to guide the surgeon. Regardless of the technology used during the surgery, these minimally invasive procedures are considered to be safer for patients and offer a shorter recovery time than traditional open surgeries.
Background
Every minimally invasive procedure follows a different protocol but generally, these procedures begin with the doctor making two small incisions, also known as ports. The size and location of the ports will vary depending on the procedure. The doctor then uses small tubes known as trocars to work through the ports. Next, surgical instruments are inserted through the tubes, along with a small video camera that guides the doctor during the procedure. The video camera’s recordings are displayed on a monitor, and the doctor will use that recording throughout the procedure.
Laparoscopies, also known as keyhole surgeries, are minimally invasive procedures performed on the abdomen and pelvic regions. This procedure relies on a laparoscope to give the doctor an interior view of the body without making large openings. Traditional surgery in the abdomen or pelvis may require a six-inch to twelve-inch incision. However, laparoscopic surgeries use two to four half-inch incisions. These incisions allow the doctor to insert the camera as well as all surgical instruments to perform the procedure. For eligible patients, laparoscopic surgery has become an appealing option and can treat and address a variety of conditions.
Robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery are both minimally invasive procedures. While they have similarities, such as the small number of incisions used, there are differences as well. In some cases, patients may need to choose between the two types of surgeries, so it is important to understand these differences when making a decision. During robotic surgery, the doctor sits at a console and uses controls to manipulate the robot. This type of surgery produces three-dimensional images, which are the clearest and most accurate. During laparoscopic surgery, the doctor manually inserts and uses the surgical instruments, which means that they have a limited range of motion. Additionally, the video camera only produces two-dimensional images. Patients should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these minimally invasive procedures to determine which one is the right choice for their health needs.
Overview
Ever-evolving technology has allowed healthcare providers to perform an increasing number of surgeries in a minimally invasive way. The determination about whether a procedure will be performed traditionally or using a minimally invasive strategy depends on the patient and the type of surgery being performed. While some procedures may be more successful as traditional open surgery, others may be performed in a minimally invasive manner.
Surgeries related to a variety of different organs and parts of the body may be completed robotically or laparoscopically. Laparoscopies may be used to conduct biopsies. Additional keyhole surgeries include hernia repair, tubal ligation, and endometriosis surgery. Doctors may use this minimally invasive method to remove the appendix, kidney, bladder, or spleen. Robotic surgeries may also be performed as a form of cancer treatment, including cancer of the stomach, gallbladder, kidney, liver, or colon. This surgery method is also used for some weight-loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass.
Minimally invasive procedures offer many advantages for the patient, which is why they are becoming increasingly available to treat various conditions. The smaller incisions that are used during these procedures often result in a quicker recovery time. Traditional open surgery requires large incisions into tissues and muscles, which take time to heal and can result in discomfort for the patient. These smaller incisions result in less trauma to the body. Additionally, the incisions leave smaller scars than those from an open surgery.
Some minimally invasive procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and those that require a hospital stay typically require fewer nights in the hospital when compared to open surgeries. Generally, these procedures are considered to be safer than open surgeries because patients lose less blood and there is a reduced risk of infection. These procedures are especially beneficial for obese patients who may be at an increased risk of infection during an open surgery. Additionally, the abbreviated recovery time associated with minimally invasive procedures may benefit elderly patients who are more likely to develop post-surgery complications, such as blood clots. Minimally invasive procedures will result in elderly patients moving more quickly after surgery, thus reducing the risk of clots.
Minimally invasive procedures are appreciated by healthcare providers and patients alike. However, not all surgeries are performed best in a minimally invasive way. Some procedures require traditional open surgery to ensure they are successful. For example, a doctor performing an exploratory surgery may need a more open view of tissues to make a proper diagnosis. In other instances, the surgery may be too complex to perform using robotic assistance or laparoscopic tools. Finally, some procedures may begin using a minimally invasive procedure, at which point the doctor will determine that open surgery is necessary to treat the problem.
Every medical procedure involves risks. However, minimally invasive procedures generally have fewer risks when compared to open surgeries. These risks, while rare, include bleeding, infections, or damage to internal organs. Patients should discuss their concerns and consider these risks when determining whether a minimally invasive procedure is right for them.
Bibliography
Carroll, Aaron. “Could Robotic Surgery Lead to Fewer Complications than Traditional Surgery?” Indiana University School of Medicine, 14 Aug. 2017, medicine.iu.edu/blogs/research-updates/robotic-gastric-bypass. Accessed 30 Aug. 2023.
“How Does Robotic Surgery Differ from Laparoscopic Surgery?” MedStar Health, 27 May 2021, www.medstarhealth.org/blog/how-does-robotic-surgery-differ-from-laparoscopic-surgery. Accessed 30 Aug. 2023.
Jewell, Tim. “What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?” Healthline, 18 Sept. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/minimally-invasive-surgery. Accessed 30 Aug. 2023.
“Laparoscopic Surgery.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22552-laparoscopic-surgery. Accessed 30 Aug. 2023.
“Minimally Invasive Surgery.” Yale Medicine, www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/minimally-invasive-surgery. Accessed 30 Aug. 2023.