Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is associated with less pain and a shorter hospital stay. This is because doctors use a wide range of techniques to operate that cause less damage to the patient’s body. Minimally invasive surgery first emerged in the 1980s, meeting the surgical needs of many people and risking fewer complications. Compared to traditional open surgery, which requires larger incisions and a more extended hospital stay, minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions, which is less risky.

According to the Journal of The Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons, ‘the expansion of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) has been exponential since the introduction of laparoscopic surgery in the late 1980s. From 2003 to 2018, MIS representation increased in all studied procedures: cholecystectomy (88% to 94%), inguinal hernia repair (20% to 47%,), appendectomy (38% to 93%), colectomy (8% to 43%), gastrectomy (43% to 84%). The total average residency case volumes for these procedures studied increased from 270 to 368 (36%) over the 16 years.’

The two main minimally invasive surgery methods are:

• Non-robotic minimally invasive surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Non-Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery

This is also known as endoscopic surgery. This procedure uses an endoscope to reach the internal organs through a very small incision. During non-robotic minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon inserts a flexible tube with a video camera through either a small incision or the mouth or nostrils. The tube is equipped with surgical instruments used by the surgeon while they watch the organs on a computer monitor. By choosing this procedure, the surgeon can see inside the patient’s body and operate without cutting a larger incision as traditional open surgery requires.

There are many benefits of minimally invasive surgery, including less pain, low risk of infection, less scarring, a small incision or no incision at all, a short hospital stay, reduced blood loss, and quick recovery time. In many cases, minimally invasive surgery also offers a higher accuracy rate compared to traditional open surgery. For example, patients experienced a 90 to 95% successful fusion rate for a minimally invasive posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

For both types of minimally invasive surgery methods, the recovery time is half that of traditional surgery. Recovery can take up to four to six weeks, with patients returning to work after two weeks.

Treatable Conditions Using Non-Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgery

Some conditions that can be treated using non-robotic minimally invasive surgery include:

• General – Pancreatic cancer, hernias, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), liver tumors, obesity (gastric bypass, bariatric surgery, gastric banding), gastrointestinal/rectal conditions
• Lung – Some lung tumors, esophageal cancer
• Gynecologic – Gynecologic cancer, benign tumors, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, removal of ovaries, and staging of lymph nodes
• Head and neck – Skull base brain tumors, anterior cranial fossa (front skull base) tumors
• Heart – Atrial septal defects, aortic insufficiency, aortic stenosis
• Neurosurgery/Spine – Cervical disc hernias, lumbar disc hernias, degenerative disc disease, spinal trauma
• Vascular – Varicose veins, venous insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease
• Urological – Kidney disorders, kidney cysts, kidney stones, kidney blockage, kidney donation, prostate cancer, incontinence, vaginal prolapse

Robotic Surgery – Minimally Invasive Procedures

Robotic surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery, is performed with an electronic operating system. The robotic system offers greater control to the doctors and better vision during the surgery, allowing for a safer, less invasive procedure.

The surgeon will first use anesthesia to put the patient to sleep during the procedure. The surgeon controls the console using two master controllers, which maneuver four robotic arms. With the help of a camera and a light, a 3D image will be shown on the console, helping the surgeon see the surgical procedure. The computer software replaces the actual hand movements, making all cuts more precise.

Similar to non-robotic minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery also has a considerable number of benefits. These include less pain, a short hospital stay, small incisions, low risk of infection, quick recovery time, less scarring, minor damage to the skin, muscles, and scar tissue, and a lower risk of blood clots.

Conditions That Are Treatable With Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Some conditions that can be treated using robotic-assisted surgery include:

• General – Pancreatic cancer, liver tumors, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obesity (gastric bypass, bariatric surgery, gastric banding)
• Lung – Some lung tumors, esophageal cancer
• Gynecologic – Endometriosis, ovarian/cervical cancer), heavy uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, benign cervical disorders.
• Head and neck – Head and neck cancer, thyroid cancer
• Heart – Mitral valve prolapse and repair, atrial septal defect, atrial fibrillation
• Urological conditions – Bladder cancer, kidney disorders (kidney stones, kidney cysts, kidney cancer, kidney removal, prostate cancer.

Who Can Benefit from Minimally Invasive Surgery?

The most common minimally invasive surgeries include arthroscopic surgery, colorectal surgery, adrenalectomy (to remove one or both adrenal glands), brain surgery, colectomy, heart surgery, hiatal hernia repair, kidney transplant, spine surgery, splenectomy (to remove the spleen), thoracoscopic surgery, and more.

Minimally invasive techniques are highly recommended for obese patients because large incisions may increase the risk of infections or other problems. These surgeries may also be an option for people who have chronic pain issues and for whom a large incision may end up causing more pain. Older adults can also benefit from minimally invasive surgeries because the recovery time is quicker and the risk of losing blood is lower.

On the other hand, not every condition can be treated with minimally invasive surgery. There are cases when traditional surgery is the better option. It is critical to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. Always discuss if a minimally invasive surgery works for you, how much pain you will feel after the surgery, what procedure is less risky considering your condition, and more.

Look No Further Than Ceda Orthopedic Group

Minimally invasive surgery is becoming more common each day. With robotic and endoscopic technology rapidly advancing, these procedures become safer for the surgeon to perform.

Our team of professionals and specialists offer the most advanced minimally invasive surgeries, even for the most complex cases. We have access to the latest tools and minimally invasive techniques, so we can help you understand everything you want to know about his procedure, including the pros and cons.

Depending on your condition or disease, we will determine whether minimally invasive surgery is the best option for you or if you should consider another approach. Let us help you prevent, detect, treat or manage your condition as soon as possible. Contact us for an appointment at (305)646-9644.

FAQ