Minimally Invasive Surgery
In the past, all surgeries involved large incisions so surgeons could easily access the organs and tissues in need of repair. However, technical advances have led to the rise of minimally invasive techniques. Instead of relying on large incisions, these techniques make use of multiple smaller incisions, or natural openings in the body, which can help patients recover from surgery faster.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?
MultiCare surgeons have been at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery, pioneering innovative solutions for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and leading the nation in performing robotic-assisted hysterectomies.
While not appropriate in all situations, minimally invasive surgery offers several benefits. In addition to facilitating a faster recovery, minimally invasive techniques reduce the risk of complications and postoperative pain. Most people can resume normal activities within a matter of days following minimally invasive surgery.
Minimally invasive techniques are often used to perform the following:
- Colon and rectal surgery
- Cancer-related surgeries
- Cryotherapy for kidney stones (involves destroying them by freezing)
- Gallbladder and appendix removal
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment
- Gynecologic surgeries
- Hernia repair
- Orthopedic procedures, including joint replacement
- Some spine-related surgeries
- Urological surgery, including treatment for incontinence
- Weight-loss surgery
While traditional open surgeries — where a surgeon uses a scalpel to make a single large incision — are less common than they used to be, they may be preferable to minimally invasive approaches in some situations. Your surgeon will work closely with you to choose the ideal surgical approach for your procedure.
Types of minimally invasive surgery
Some types of minimally invasive surgery we perform include:
Robotic surgery. With this form of surgery, a surgeon uses a robotic device to complete a procedure. This surgical approach may be ideal for complex procedures in areas of the body that are hard to reach or have delicate tissue. Learn more about robotic surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery. This type of procedures involves the use of a laparoscope — a thin tube equipped with a small video camera and light. A surgeon makes several small incisions, inserting the laparoscope through one of them. Using the images from the video as a guide, the team then uses specially designed tools to perform the procedure.
Arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery helps diagnose and treat joint-related problems that cause pain, discomfort or instability. It involves the use of a arthroscope — a long, thin tube with a light and video camera attached to it. Similar to laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon uses the arthroscope and small, specialized tools to complete procedures.
Transanal minimally invasive surgery. Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is often used to remove polyps and cancerous tumors within the rectum and lower colon. This procedure does not require incisions. Polyps and tumors are removed through the anus using laparoscopic instruments.