Minimally invasive surgery refers to any surgical technique that does not require a large incision. This relatively new approach allows the patient to recuperate faster and with less pain. However, not all conditions are suitable for minimally invasive surgery.

When minimally invasive surgery is done, it is performed with the aid of scopes that allow the surgeon to see inside the body. Using specialized techniques, miniature cameras with microscopes, tiny fiber-optic flashlights and high definition monitors, surgeons can perform surgery through an incision that requires only a stitch or two to close. During minimally invasive surgery and other procedures, scopes can be used to take tissue samples, remove foreign bodies and repair damage.

For patients, minimally invasive surgery means less trauma to the body, less blood loss, smaller surgical scars and less need for pain medication. Patients leave the hospital sooner after minimally invasive surgery and return to normal activities sooner than with conventional open surgery.

Further Reading:

• Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment for Endometriosis
• Minimally Invasive Female Sterilization Procedure
• Uterine Artery Embolization
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A New Approach
• What is LAVH?

This information is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, or have any questions, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.