What you should know about minimally invasive surgery

A lot has changed in operating practices in the last 30 years, with the biggest advancements in minimally invasive techniques. In the 1990s, removing an inflamed appendix required a 2- to 4-inch incision, and the patient needed to stay in the hospital for many days. Now the appendix can be removed through a few small abdominal incisions, usually less than one-half inch, and most patients can go home the same day.

If you are facing the prospect of surgery, here's what you should know about minimally invasive procedures.

What is minimally invasive surgery?

In minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a variety of techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. Most patients who have a minimally invasive surgery can go home the same day or remain in the hospital for a shorter period of time.

Laparoscopy — surgery done through one or more small incisions, using small tubes, and tiny cameras and surgical instruments — was one of the first types of minimally invasive surgery. Another type of minimally invasive surgery is robotic surgery. It provides a magnified, 3D view of the surgical site, and helps the surgeon operate with precision, flexibility and control.

Types of minimally invasive surgeries

Minimally invasive surgeries have now become the standard surgical techniques in many routine operations, including:

• Anti-reflux surgery, sometimes called hiatal hernia repair, to relieve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Appendectomy, removal of the appendix
• Cancer surgery, to diagnosis or remove the cancer
• Cholecystectomy, removal of the gallbladder
• Colectomy to remove parts of a diseased colon or colon cancer
• Ear, nose and throat surgery
• Endovascular surgery to treat or repair blood vessels
• Gynecologic surgery to treat the uterus and ovaries
• Splenectomy to remove the spleen
• Urologic surgery for bladder and kidney surgeries

Minimally invasive surgery benefits

Continual innovations in minimally invasive surgery make it beneficial for people with a wide range of conditions.

The advantages of minimally invasive operating techniques include:

• Less pain
• Faster recovery
• Quicker return to work
• Better cosmetic results with little scarring

Minimally invasive surgery is appropriate for many patients and conditions. Talk with a surgeon if you need surgery and think you may be a candidate for minimally invasive techniques.

Hyun Kim, M.D., is a general surgeon in Fairmont, Minnesota.

To learn more about quick access to safe care or to make an appointment, visit a health system location near you: Albert Lea │ Eau Claire │ La Crosse │ Mankato