Minimal Access Surgery
What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a surgical technique that allows surgeons to perform operations within the belly (abdomen) and pelvis without making large skin incisions. This method is also known as laparoscopy or keyhole surgery, as described by the NHS.
Laparoscopy was one of the earliest forms of minimally invasive surgery. It involves performing surgery through one or more small incisions using tiny cameras, specialized tubes, and surgical instruments.
Another advanced form of minimally invasive surgery is robotic surgery. This approach provides the surgeon with a magnified, three-dimensional view of the surgical site and allows for precise, flexible, and controlled movements during the procedure.
Why is Minimally Invasive Surgery Performed?
Minimally invasive surgery emerged in the 1980s as a safe and effective alternative to traditional open surgery. According to the Mayo Clinic, it quickly became a preferred method for various surgical procedures due to its benefits, such as shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times.
Today, many surgical specialties, including colon and lung surgery, extensively use minimally invasive techniques. Patients who may be candidates for this surgical approach should consult with their surgeons.
How is Minimally Invasive Surgery Performed?
The general steps involved in laparoscopic surgery include:
- Administration of General Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia before the surgery.
- Small Incisions: The surgeon makes a few small incisions to insert the laparoscope (a small camera), surgical instruments, and a tube to pump gas into the abdomen.
- Surgical Procedure: The surgeon performs the required procedure while monitoring the internal view provided by the laparoscope on a screen.
- Gas Removal: After completing the surgery, the surgeon removes the gas from the abdomen.
- Closing the Incisions: The incisions are closed with stitches and covered with dressings.
What to Expect After Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Here are some Important Points:
- Hospital Stay:
Recovery times vary depending on the type of procedure and individual health conditions. Minimally invasive surgery generally results in shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery.
Some patients may be discharged within a few hours, while others may require a stay of one to four days. Patients undergoing orthopedic procedures might need physical therapy before returning home.
- Recovery Time:
Patients often experience a faster recovery with minimally invasive surgery. In many cases, recovery time is reduced by half compared to open surgery.
Some patients can return to work within two weeks, while others may need four to six weeks for a full recovery.
- Pain and Discomfort:
Minimally invasive surgery typically causes less pain and discomfort compared to traditional open surgery. This is because it minimizes disruption to surrounding tissues and muscles.
While some discomfort is expected, it is usually less severe. Doctors provide appropriate pain management plans to ensure patient comfort during recovery.
- Minimal Scarring:
One of the significant advantages of minimally invasive surgery is reduced scarring. Surgeons make small incisions, often just a few millimeters in length.
Although small scars may remain, they are much less noticeable than those from open surgery. Patients should keep the incision area clean and consult their doctor if they notice any signs of infection or unusual symptoms.
Minimally invasive surgery continues to evolve, providing patients with safer procedures, shorter recovery times, and improved outcomes compared to traditional surgical methods.