By performing procedures with smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) uses advanced techniques and specialized instruments. By using this method, patients' hospital stays are shortened, scarring is minimized, and recovery times are expedited.
Patients typically undergo the following preparatory steps before minimally invasive surgery:
Patients undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a physical examination and diagnostic tests, to determine their overall health and suitability for the procedure.
A surgeon explains the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of the minimally invasive procedure to the patient. Alternative treatments may also be discussed.
Patients receive specific preoperative instructions, which may include fasting prior to surgery, discontinuing certain medications, and arranging transportation to and from the hospital or surgery center.
In general, minimally invasive surgery involves the following steps:
General anesthesia or regional anesthesia is used to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
The surgeon makes one or more small incisions at the surgical site in order to insert specialized surgical instruments and a camera called an endoscope or laparoscope.
The surgeon inserts surgical instruments and a camera through the incisions to access the surgical site.
Surgeons are able to visualize and navigate the surgical area with precision using the camera's real-time video images of the internal organs.
Completion of the procedure: The surgeon performs the necessary procedure, such as removing diseased tissue or repairing an organ that has been damaged.
The surgeon closes the incisions with sutures, surgical tape, or adhesive strips. Dissolvable stitches may also be used in some cases.
Following minimally invasive surgery, patients typically recover as follows:
Hospitalization may be necessary following surgery depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient's overall health. Many minimally invasive procedures can be performed as an outpatient, allowing patients to return home the same day.
As a result of smaller incisions and less tissue trauma, patients may experience less postoperative discomfort than they would with traditional open surgery.
After surgery, patients gradually resume normal activities according to their surgeon's recommendations. However, strenuous activity may need to be avoided during the initial recovery period.
In spite of the many benefits of minimally invasive surgery, there are potential risks and complications, including:
Although bleeding is less common than in open surgery, additional intervention may be necessary if bleeding occurs during or after the procedure.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection at the incision sites or within the body after any surgical procedure.
Rarely, minimally invasive surgery may damage nearby organs or tissues, resulting in complications that require further treatment.
Patients should follow their surgeon's instructions for postoperative care after minimally invasive surgery, which may include:
A follow-up appointment with the surgeon is necessary to monitor recovery progress, assess healing of the incisions, and address any concerns.
Incision Care: Patients are taught how to care for their incisions, including keeping them clean and dry, changing dressings as necessary, and monitoring for infection.
During the initial recovery period, patients may need to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and other activities that could strain the surgical site.
In order to make informed decisions about their treatment and optimize their recovery outcomes, patients need to understand the overview, preparation, procedure, recovery process, potential risks, and aftercare considerations associated with minimally invasive surgery.
