Minimally invasive

Minimally Invasive refers to a broad field of medical procedures that involve making smaller incisions or no incisions at all, compared to traditional surgery. This approach is designed to minimize patient trauma and reduce recovery time.

Overview

Minimally invasive procedures are a significant development in the field of medicine. They are often performed using thin-needles and an endoscope to visually guide the surgery. The endoscope can be inserted through natural body openings or small incisions.

Types of Minimally Invasive Procedures

There are several types of minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, endovascular surgery, and non-surgical procedures.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, involves small incisions made in the abdominal or pelvic area. The surgeon inserts a laparoscope, a long, thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the front, into one of the incisions to view the area being operated on.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery where surgeons use a computer to control robotic arms that perform the operation. This type of surgery can be more precise, flexible and controlled than is possible with conventional techniques.

Endovascular Surgery

Endovascular surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that is performed inside the patient's blood vessels. This surgery typically involves the use of catheters, which are inserted into the blood vessels and guided to the area being treated.

Non-Surgical Procedures

Non-surgical procedures include treatments such as radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and transcatheter procedures. These procedures are typically performed using imaging guidance.

Benefits and Risks

Minimally invasive procedures have several benefits over traditional open surgery, including less pain, lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, less scarring, and reduced blood loss. However, they also have potential risks, including complications related to anesthesia, bleeding, and infection.

See Also

• Surgery
• Endoscopy
• Medical imaging