Minimally Invasive Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Minimally Invasive Surgery?
A surgeon performs minimally invasive surgery. The kind of surgeon depends on the problem being treated. A general surgeon, a doctor who operates on the belly, often does keyhole surgery there. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Minimally invasive surgery uses small cuts or no cuts at all. Laparoscopy is sometimes called keyhole surgery. It needs smaller cuts than traditional open surgery. It lets a surgeon use only small cuts and a camera for procedures inside the belly or pelvis.
Other common types include:
- Robotic laparoscopy, where a surgeon seated at a console controls the tools. This allows more range of motion.
- Hysteroscopy, which uses a lighted telescope through the vagina and cervix, with no cuts.
The steps below describe laparoscopy.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Laparoscopy is used to find and treat conditions. It is also used for surgery, such as:
- Removing organs such as the appendix or gallbladder.
- Repairing hernias.
- Removing organs affected by cancer, such as the ovaries, prostate, or liver.
- Removing the womb or fibroids.
It is often recommended because the recovery time is faster than other types of surgery.
How to prepare
The hospital will give you information about how to prepare. Depending on why you are having it, you may be asked to:
- Not eat or drink.
- Stop taking certain medicines, if told to.
Do not stop any medicine without talking with your provider first. You cannot drive after laparoscopy, so arrange for someone to drive you home.
What happens during it
If it is done to diagnose a condition, it usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Surgery to treat a condition takes longer. You are asleep under general anesthesia, so you do not feel any pain. The surgeon makes a small cut, usually near your belly button. Carbon dioxide gas goes into the belly so the surgeon can see the organs. A thin, flexible tube with a camera inside, called a laparoscope, goes into the cut. Video images show on a screen. For surgery, more small cuts may be needed for the surgeon's tools. The cuts are closed with stitches or clips and covered with a dressing.
Recovery
You spend some time in the recovery room and get medicine for pain and swelling. After the operation, you may:
- Feel sick or be sick.
- Feel more tired than normal.
- Have a sore throat.
- Have bloating, cramps, or belly pain.
Most people can leave the hospital on the same day or the day after. After a laparoscopy to diagnose a condition, recovery usually takes up to 10 days. After surgery, full recovery can take up to 6 to 8 weeks. Get urgent medical advice if, after a laparoscopy, you have:
- A high temperature, or you feel hot, cold, or shivery.
- Severe or continuous vomiting.
- Belly pain that is getting worse.
- A bloated belly.
- Pain, swelling, pus, or redness around your wounds.
- Pain and swelling in one leg.
Risks and side effects
Complications of laparoscopy are rare, but can include:
- Needing to have open surgery with a larger cut.
- Damage to an organ, such as your bladder.
- A serious allergic reaction to the anesthetic.
- Blood clots.
Minimally invasive surgery is not suitable for everyone. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop. After a laparoscopy, also call 911 for a very fast heartbeat.
Who performs it
A surgeon performs laparoscopy.
Common questions
Do I have to stay in the hospital overnight?
Not always. Most people can leave the hospital on the same day or the day after laparoscopy. A stay after open surgery is 2 to 4 days.
Can minimally invasive surgery turn into open surgery?
Yes, but this is rare.
Does minimally invasive surgery need a specially trained surgeon?
Yes, surgeons need special training before they can perform it. Not all hospitals have the special equipment needed.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine - Minimally invasive surgery
- MedlinePlus - Laparoscopy
- NHS - Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
