What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgical techniques, commonly
referred to as keyhole techniques, belly-button
surgery, or laparoscopy, were aggressively developed
in the 1990s. Using these techniques, surgeons
can diagnose or treat patients, and in some cases
remove or repair a part of the body, without performing
a major incision during surgery. In fact, they
are able to operate through much smaller incisions
than ever before.
Traditional abdominal surgery requires a large
incision in the abdomen to divide skin and muscle
in order to provide the surgeon with a direct
view of the body's interior. Using minimally invasive
surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions
or uses one of the body's natural openings to
insert several long, thin tubes called canulas.
A special needle with carbon dioxide gas is inserted
to inflate the body's interior and provide the
surgeon with room to operate. The surgeon inserts
specialized instruments through the canulas to
operate on the body's internal region. A tiny
camera transmits an image of the body's interior
to a video screen. This powerful imaging technology
enables surgeons to reach their intended area
within the body quickly and precisely.
In comparison to traditional surgery, minimally
invasive surgery has the following advantages:
- Less trauma to the body
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Enhanced cosmetic effect (smaller scars)
- Reduced length of stay in hospital (usually
same-day surgery or one night in the hospital)
- Reduced post-surgical recovery and quicker
return to normal activities, including work.
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