Many general surgery cases can be done using minimally invasive techniques, offering less pain, less scarring, and faster recovery times. Minimally invasive surgery includes laparoscopic surgery, in which fine instruments and cameras are inserted into very small incisions rather than using large incisions to perform the operation in an open fashion.
Common uses of minimally invasive surgery include:
- Cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder)
- Splenectomy (removal of the spleen)
- Appendectomy (removal of the appendix)
- Colon surgery
- Hernia repairs
- Biopsy
Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILSTM)
SILSTM refines minimally invasive surgery even further. Some operations can be performed using just a single incision. Through that small incision, the surgeon inserts up to three instruments with cutting-edge articulation abilities. This gives the surgeon the full range of movement needed to perform the procedure while leaving only a small scar.
It turns some operations into outpatient surgery, enabling the patient to go home in a matter of hours rather than days. Of course, SILSTM isn’t possible for every operation, so please talk to your surgeon about your specific condition and needs.