Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) refers to surgical techniques that use small incisions or natural orifices to access the surgical site, rather than the large incisions used in traditional open surgery. MIS techniques often involve the use of specialized surgical instruments and video technology to guide the surgeon.
One of the main advantages of MIS is that it typically results in less tissue trauma, pain, and scarring compared to traditional open surgery. Patients undergoing MIS may experience less bleeding, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery time. Additionally, MIS techniques may result in fewer postoperative complications and a lower risk of infection.
MIS can be used for a wide range of surgical procedures, including gastrointestinal surgery, gynecological surgery, urologic surgery, and orthopedic surgery. Some common MIS techniques include:
Laparoscopic surgery: In this technique, a small camera and specialized instruments are inserted through small incisions in the abdomen to perform the surgery.
Endoscopic surgery: In this technique, a flexible tube with a camera and instruments is inserted through the mouth, nose, or rectum to access the surgical site.
Robotic surgery: In this technique, a surgeon uses a robotic system to control surgical instruments through small incisions.
Transanal endoscopic surgery: In this technique, specialized instruments are inserted through the anus to perform surgery on the rectum or colon.
Overall, MIS has revolutionized the field of surgery by providing patients with less invasive and more effective treatment options. While not all surgeries are suitable for MIS, it has become an increasingly common and important approach for many types of surgical procedures.