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Minimally Invasive Surgery is a technique which allows the surgeon to use techniques which will reduce the size and the number of cuts needed to perform a surgery. It has been proven to be safer than an open surgery. Minimally invasive surgery enables less blood loss during surgery, faster recovery, reduced hospital stay and healing in comfort.

Traditional surgery involves a large cut in order to visualize the inside of the body. In minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon uses small instruments, lights and cameras which fit in through small cuts on the skin. This allows the surgeon to perform the operation without having to go through skin, muscle and other tissue.

Minimally invasive surgeries also include robotic surgeries. Robotic surgery allows for better control and precision over the surgery. Robotic surgery is performed with the use of an electronic operating system like a computer. The surgeon will control the surgery through a high definition camera and robotic arms which are fitted with specialized tools.

The primary advantage of robotic surgery over laparoscopic surgery is that the surgeon can view the operating field in a 3 dimensional mode. It allows better control for the surgeon to perform delicate procedures with precision with the special softwares installed.
    
Non- robotic surgeries are known as laparoscopic (‘keyhole’), endoscopic or endovascular surgery. In these surgeries, rather than use robotic arms, the surgeon himself guides the instruments.  

Minimally invasive techniques are useful for the following disease conditions:

Lungs

• Lung cancer
• Lung tumors

Urologic System

• Bladder cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Prostate Cancer

Gynaecologic System

• Ovarian Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer

Digestive System

• Stomach cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Liver cancer
• Colon or rectal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

Neurological System

• Tumors around the brain and the skull
• Conditions in the spinal cord or discs

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery are:

• Less blood loss during surgery
• Reduced damage to skin, muscle and neighbouring tissue
• Reduced and less painful recovery time
• Reduced risk of infection
• Smaller and less visible scars

During the surgery

Minimally invasive surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis which means that the patient does not have to be admitted in the hospital prior to surgery, and may return home on the same day if there are not complications. Here is a little about how to prepare for the day of surgery:

• Follow all the pre operative instructions given by the doctor
• If you will be receiving anaesthesia, avoid having food for 12 hours prior tp the procedure to avoid risk of complications
• Ensure you arrange for a ride home as after the procedure you will not be able to drive yourself
• There will be some pain after the surgery. The doctor will prescribe medication to manage the pain.
• Although minimally invasive procedures have a reduced risk of complications, be prepared for the unexpected. Have an alternate plan ready just in case you will need to be hospitalized after surgery.

After surgery

Although recovery after minimally invasive procedures is short, it may still take about 6 weeks or longer before you feel like yourself again. Here are some things which you can do to help with a full recovery in the days following your surgery:

• Avoid physical activities which could strain the incision site. The doctor may specify which activities to avoid taking into account your daily routine.
• Keep the surgery incision sites clean and bandaged. Watch for signs of infection, pain, redness, oozing or sustained fever.
• Take only the prescribed dose of painkillers. If the pain persists, then talk to your doctor to alter the medication.
• Begin with some light exercise and activity as this will improve blood flow, muscle strength reduce pain and recovery time.
• Gradually return to normal routine. Do not rush, give yourself ample time to recovery fully
  
  

Authored By : Dr. Shiva Kumar Uppala