Minimally Invasive Surgeries (MIS) are performed using small incisions and a few stitches. Doctors use various surgical techniques to operate with minor damage to the human body. As a result, it reduces the wound healing time, associated pain, and risk of infection. Minimally invasive procedures in Greenville, SC, must be performed by experienced surgeons.
In traditional open surgeries, the surgeon makes large incisions to see the area of the body operated on. For the minimally invasive procedures, the doctor then uses small tools, cameras, lights, etc. These tools allow the surgeon to work without cutting muscles or skin. In addition, the surgeons don’t need scalpels to make large incisions.
This is one of the significant advancements of technology in the medical field. It is beneficial to patients who are obese, elderly, or experiencing chronic pain. The procedure is preferable to traditional open surgeries, and it is considered safer and more tolerable.
Types of Minimally Invasive Procedures
There are several types of minimally invasive procedures. They include the following:
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Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is used to examine organs inside the abdomen. It is a low-risk approach that requires tiny incisions. The surgeon inserts a tube with a light and camera called a Laparoscope.
The camera sends live images to a video monitor. This allows the surgeon to see your anatomy while operating. Laparoscopy is used to examine the appendix, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, liver, intestine, etc.
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Arthroscopic Surgery
Orthopedic doctors use arthroscopy to examine, diagnose, and repair joint damage. The surgeon inserts a thin fiber-optic camera through a tiny keyhole incision near the joint. It requires only small incisions, making the recovery process faster. This procedure is pretty standard for the shoulder, spine, knee, foot, hip, wrist, etc.
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Bronchoscopy Surgery
A bronchoscopy surgery helps to evaluate and treat lung problems. The surgeon uses a flexible tube with a camera and light called a bronchoscope in this procedure. It is inserted through the nose or mouth to look inside the lung airways. The technique can also be used to assess blockage, get samples of fluids or tissues, etc.
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Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
VATS is used to diagnose and treat medical conditions in the chest. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a thoracoscope with a tiny camera. Then, the instrument is inserted into the patient’s chest through a small incision in the chest walls. VATS is used to treat problems affecting the lungs, heart, ribs, esophagus, spine, hiatal hernia, etc.
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Hysteroscopic Surgery
Hysteroscopy is a type of minimally invasive procedure used for diagnostic purposes. A surgical instrument called a hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. Gynecologists use this procedure to check for abnormalities such as fibroid, cervical polyps, etc.
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Robotic Surgery
A doctor performs robotic surgery with an electronic operation station similar to a computer. The surgeon controls a high-definition camera and robotic arms to perform the surgery. Robotic-assisted techniques are used to treat areas of the body that is difficult to navigate. They include the head, neck, lungs, heart, digestive system, kidney, genital areas, etc.
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Vaginal Surgery
Vaginal access minimally invasive surgery (VIMS) is used for major gynecologic surgery. For this procedure, the doctor may not require any abdominal incisions. Therefore, it generally has a lower risk of complications than abdominal procedures. Doctors use this approach to treat endometriosis, pelvic mass removal, hysterectomy, etc.
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Sigmoidoscopy Surgery
This procedure allows the surgeon to look inside your sigmoid colon or rectum. Then, a small flexible tube with a light and a camera is inserted into the patient’s body. Doctors use this approach to check for abnormal cells, ulcers, polyps, cancer, etc.
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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
MISS is used to treat spinal conditions such as herniated disc, scoliosis, nerve compressions, etc.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Minimally Invasive Procedures?
Surgeries are usually invasive by definition. Many operations typically require large incisions on the patient’s body. These incisions can sometimes leave large wounds that are difficult and painful to heal.
With the advancement of medical technologies, patients do not have to undergo such a painful process. A minimally invasive procedure involves arthroscopic (for joints and spines), laparoscopic devices, or manipulation of instruments. An endoscope is inserted through the skin, body cavity, or anatomical opening.
This helps the surgeon see the area operated on and visualize progress on a monitor. After the procedure, you may only require adhesive bandages on the incision rather than multiple stitches. Minimally invasive surgeries have many advantages over traditional open approaches.
They include the following:
- A patient has a lower risk of infection
- Quicker recovery time
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain
- Shorter and potentially no hospital stays
- Reduced blood loss
- Less operative trauma
- Quicker recovery
- Less scarring
- Less tissue damage
- It reduces the incidence of post-surgical complications, etc.
Risk of Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally invasive surgery is still a surgery. Hence, the risk associated is the same as any other surgical operation. However, it is less risky than traditional open surgeries. This is because the danger is less in the hands of experienced surgeons.
It is essential to talk to your surgeon about any potential risks associated with your particular procedure. Side effects and complications could include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to organs
- In the worst circumstances, death.
When Is Minimally Invasive Procedure Not an Option?
Although this procedure is safe and beneficial, it is not an option for every surgery. Every patient is unique, so their medical case must be treated individually. In addition, there are cases where a traditional open surgery will have a better outcome for the patient.
Examples include:
- Complex thoracic aneurysm repairs
- Complex cancer surgeries
- Colon and rectal surgery
- Neurosurgery, etc.
A surgeon may find it necessary to switch to open surgery to visualize the operated area better. It is essential to discuss the procedure right for you with your doctor.
Contact a Greenville SC Injury Center Today!
It is normal to feel anxious when your doctor has recommended surgery. However, the risk is less when you have the right medical team. At Carolina Spine Center, we have skilled medical professionals and state-of-the-art medical equipment to give you the best treatment. Contact the Greenville SC injury center today for diagnosis and treatment.
