What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
February 8, 2022 1:44 pm
While long hospital stays following surgery were once the norm, that’s not always the case now. Today, the use of minimally invasive surgery means Magnolia Regional Health Center surgeons can provide the Corinth area with many of the surgical procedures they need using tiny incisions so patients can heal faster and resume activities more quickly.
How Minimally Invasive Surgery Works
In the past, surgeons performed procedures through large incisions that allowed them to clearly see the surgical site. The development of modern instruments, enhanced technology and advanced surgical skills means that most surgeons now offer minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopic surgery because of the instruments used.
A laparoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a miniature camera on the end. During surgery, your surgeon inserts this scope into your body through a tiny incision. Once inside, the camera gives a clear view of the surgical site. Very small tools passed through other incisions allow your surgeon to perform the procedure.
Other tools include arthroscopes and endoscopes. They’re used for arthroscopic and endoscopic procedures. Like the laparoscope, a camera at the end of these scopes shows what’s going on inside your body. Orthopaedic surgeons use an arthroscope for knee replacements and other procedures. Endoscopes don’t require incisions. Gastroenterologists insert the endoscope in your mouth or rectum to diagnose and treat diseases of your gastrointestinal tract.
Some minimally invasive surgeries even use robots. But don’t worry — the robots aren’t left on their own. In fact, they can’t do anything without a surgeon’s touch. With robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon sits at a computer console. Guided by real-time video, the surgeon controls the robot’s arms and instruments. This allows for precise surgery and positive results.
The Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Whether using laparoscope, endoscope, robot or other tool, minimally invasive surgery has several benefits. Some of these include:
- In some cases, a faster surgical experience
- Less strain on the immune system and lower risk of postoperative infection
- Reduced postsurgical pain and faster recovery time
- Shorter hospital stays, with many laparoscopic patients returning home the same day
- Smaller incisions and postsurgical scars
Minimally Invasive Surgery for All?
At MRHC, we use minimally invasive surgery techniques whenever possible. Of more than 11,000 surgeries performed annually, 80% of our patients return home within 24 hours. This allows them to recover in the comfort of their own homes. The result: they get back to their lives sooner.
Despite its many benefits, minimally invasive surgery isn’t always possible. Sometimes, it’s not an option and a traditional, open approach is necessary. How do surgeons decide which technique to use? They consider many factors and make their decisions on a case-by-case basis.
When open surgery is necessary, having access to skilled surgeons ensures a good outcome. Fortunately for residents of Alcorn County, MRHC surgeons are trained and experienced in traditional and minimally invasive surgery. They provide the right surgery with the right method. So you can focus your energy on recovering and returning to life.
Do you need surgery? Schedule an appointment with one of MRHC’s general surgeons.
Tags: laparoscopic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, surgery
This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center
