Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally Invasive Sugery (MIS) means using the smallest possible approach to perform traditional surgery. This often uses current technology such as fiber optic cameras and small instruments. The most well known operation currently is the removal of the gallbladder, also known as a cholecystectomy. We call the technique a laparoscopic approach. The size of the instruments and camera range from 3 mm (often used in pediatric cases) to 10 mm. That would be from the size of a telephone cable to the average little finger. The images are magnified allowing you to see in greater detail. We now have cameras and instruments that can turn and look around corners.
Here at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, we offer a full range of minimally invasive procedures including cancer operations. Here is a list of the currently performed laparoscopic procedures:
- Exploratory laparoscopy
- Laparoscopic appendectomy
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- Laparoscopic antireflux procedure
- Laparoscopic feeding jejunostomy
- Laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement
- Laparoscopic partial colectomy for masses and cancers
- Laparoscopic liver resection
- Laparoscopic splenectomy
- Laparoscopic bariatric procedures
- Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair
- Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair
- Laparoscopic lysis of adhesions (removal of scar tissue)
- Laparoscopic removal of tumors
- Laparoscopic repair of perforated ulcers
- Laparoscopic endocrine surgery
- Laparoscopic antiulcer surgery
- Laparoscopic treatment for inflammatory bowel disease
- Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter placement
- Single site or access laparoscopic procedures
Video: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Minimally Invasive Surgery offers a faster recovery as compared to traditional surgery as well as a superior cosmetic result. Many of the operations that required a hospital stay now can be done as an outpatient or same day procedure requiring no more than a 23 hour observation. This often means less narcotic pain medication and a quicker return to work, depending on the procedure.
With the development of newer techniques and instruments, we now can offer to some patients the same operation through a single incision at the belly button. This leaves virtually no visible scar on the abdomen.
We also offer endoscopic procedures that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of surgical and nonsurgical diseases. Endoscopy is the use of a flexible fiber optic camera. This allows us to view the lining of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) as well as the colon and terminal ileum (the last part of the small intestine). Some of the findings can be treated immediately or diagnosed for later therapy. Many of the diseases treated or diagnosed by endoscopy include:
- Peptic ulcer disease (Ulcers of the stomach and first part of the small intestine)
- Gastritis (Inflammation of the lining of the stomach)
- Bleeding ulcers
- Removal of polyps in the stomach and colon
- Difficulty swallowing
- Removal of foreign bodies (foods or coins stuck in the esophagus or stomach)
- Chronic nausea and vomiting
- Passing of blood in the stool
- Difficulty passing stool