Minimally Invasive Surgery: All You Need to Know

Thanks to countless healthcare and technological advancements, surgical procedures today are not as risky as before. Now, doctors can operate and treat patients without performing a traditional open surgical technique. 

Over the years, various minimally invasive surgical procedures made it possible for doctors to diagnose and treat patients using tiny incisions near the affected area. This is a massive breakthrough in the medical field since small incisions also mean faster recovery time and fewer complications. 

Below is an in-depth discussion on everything you need to know about your upcoming minimally invasive surgery一what is it, how is it performed, and frequently asked questions. We aim to provide you with accurate knowledge regarding your procedure so you’ll feel prepared and comfortable during your surgery.

What is minimally invasive surgery?

A minimally invasive surgery refers to a medical procedure that can be used to diagnose, treat, and manage various disorders. It is performed using tiny incisions rather than the traditional large cuts. 

In this type of surgery, a doctor only needs to create one or more button-sized incisions called ports, which will serve as the entry point of specialized instruments. A small, narrow tube with a video camera at the end will be inserted into the port, together with other types of small surgical instruments. 

Your surgeon will then perform the required task, such as diagnosing the source of your symptoms, removing loose fragments, or repairing damaged structures. All of these are done with the help of a video camera inside, which will broadcast the inside of the body on a large screen monitor outside.

Additionally, some types of minimally invasive procedures are performed with the help of robotic technology. 

How is minimally invasive surgery performed?

Generally, most minimally invasive surgical techniques follow the same initial procedure. However, methods may differ depending on the procedure’s specific goal and target area. Some examples of common minimally invasive surgeries and their approaches include the following: 

• Arthroscopy—a type of minimally invasive surgery that utilizes an arthroscope to diagnose and treat orthopedic conditions, such as fractures and ligament tears.
• Endoscopy—a long and flexible tube (endoscope) will be inserted into the throat to examine the digestive tract (e.g., esophagus, stomach, duodenum).
• Colonoscopy—a flexible tube with a light and camera on end used to inspect the colon or the large intestine. It will pass through the anus and rectum to view the colon and look for abnormalities, such as polyps or swollen and irritated tissues.
• Bronchoscopy—a thin tube will be inserted into the nose and then passed down the throat to look into the lungs. It may be utilized to inspect the airways or for therapeutic purposes for some lung disorders.
• Hysteroscopy—a thin, flexible device with a lighted end is inserted into the vagina to inspect the cervix and uterus for irregularities. Diagnostic hysteroscopy may be used to diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding or blocked fallopian tubes. On the other hand, operative hysteroscopy may be used to perform endometrial ablation or polyp removal.
• Laparoscopy—small incisions are created in the tummy to access and view the inside of the abdomen using a thin, flexible tube.
• Robotic-assisted surgery—a surgeon will utilize a set of robotic arms and a video camera to perform minimally invasive surgeries. This allows doctors to treat chronic conditions and perform complex operations, such as atrial fibrillation, heart valve repair, kidney blockage, kidney transplant, and various types of tumor removal.

Frequently asked questions on minimally invasive surgery

How can you prepare for your minimally invasive surgery?

Once you are scheduled for a minimally invasive surgery, your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your procedure. You may be asked to undergo a full medical evaluation, blood tests, cardiovascular clearance, and others. 

Additionally, your doctor might give you a list of medications to avoid (e.g., blood thinners), so make sure to disclose everything with them. They may also suggest you quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption for as long as possible before the surgery and during recovery.

How long do you need to stay in the facility?

Most minimally invasive procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. This means that there’s no need to stay for more than a few days in the facility一you may be discharged that same day.  

What to expect right after the surgery?

Generally, doctors perform minimally invasive surgeries with the help of anesthetics, which means you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. 

However, it’s normal to experience soreness, pain, and some swelling in the operated area right after the surgery. You will be given a list of instructions regarding proper medications, wound care, and other vital post-operative information for a faster recovery.

Additionally, your doctor will require you to avoid or limit physical activities during the recovery period. Some procedures may also entail physical therapy and rehabilitation as part of the recovery process.

How long does it take to recover from a minimally invasive surgery?

Generally, it can take four to six weeks or more to recover from minimally invasive surgery. But, of course, it will still depend on the type of procedure performed, its complexity, and the severity of the patient’s condition. 

Where to find the best orthopedic surgery center in NC?

The Orthopaedic Surgery Center of Panther Creek provides comprehensive orthopedic care to patients in need. Our board-certified physicians specialize in performing various minimally invasive procedures to diagnose, treat, and manage common orthopedic conditions.

Contact us now to experience world-class services and exceptional patient care at Raleigh Orthopedic and Panther Creek. 

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.