Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery employs the use of fiber-optic endoscopes and specially designed instruments to perform procedures through very small incisions in the skin.  Surgeries that once required large and painful incisions can now be performed with reduced discomfort, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays and quicker return to normal activity. With improving technology, minimally invasive surgery can even be performed in infants and children.

In these procedures, the surgeon inserts a thin, telescope-like instrument, called an endoscope, through a tiny incision in the skin.  Light traveling along fibers in the scope allows him to see inside the body.  Instruments used in conjunction with the endoscope allow the surgeon to take photographs, visualize the procedure on a nearby monitor screen, obtain biopsies and use lasers to cut, remove and seal tissue.  The laser coagulates blood vessels as it cuts, reducing blood loss. This allows the surgeon to see better during the procedure and reduces damage to surrounding tissue.

Not all procedures can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.  However, their use has expanded rapidly in recent years.  As endoscopic skills become more widespread, minimally invasive procedures are expected to set a new standard in surgical care.

Endoscopes

Endoscope is the generic term for a thin, surgical instrument that allows the physician to see inside the body.  Different types of endoscopes are used in different parts of the body. They are available in various sizes and can be rigid or flexible depending on where they are to be used.

• Arthroscopes are designed for viewing the knee and other joints and are used in arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery.
• Colonoscopes are used for viewing the colon.
• Cystoscopes are designed for viewing the bladder and are used in prostate surgery and other procedures related to the urinary and reproductive systems.
• Hysteroscopes are designed for viewing the uterus and assisting with certain gynecological procedures.
• Laparoscopes are designed for viewing the abdominal area and are used in gallbladder operations, hernia repair, appendix removal, hysterectomies and other procedures.
• Sinuscopes are designed for viewing nasal and sinus cavities and are used in endoscopic sinus surgery.