Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Scientific Breakthrough
Fortunately, owing to scientific breakthroughs in minimally invasive technology and new surgical instruments, treatment of diseases can now be conducted using minimally invasive surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is the gateway to achieving improved results for patients and is a much safer alternative. Many minimally invasive operations are conducted using robotic technology, which allows for more precise control of the procedure. Types of minimally invasive surgery include Robotic Surgery and Non-Robotic Surgery.
Robotic Surgery
Advanced robotic systems offer more control and visibility to doctors during surgery, enabling them to perform safer, less invasive and accurate surgical procedures.
During robotic-assisted surgery, surgeons operate from a console fitted with two master controls manoeuvring four robotic arms. By viewing a high-definition 3-D image on the screen, the surgeon gets an in-depth view of the surgical operation. Computer programs take the place of human hand gestures and are able to make very accurate gestures.
Non-Robotic Surgery
Non-Robotic minimally invasive surgery is also recognized as Endoscopic Surgery. Laparoscopic surgery, Thoracoscopic surgery, or “Keyhole” surgery are minimally invasive procedures that use an endoscope through very small incisions to access internal organs. This surgery is equivalent to robotic surgery except that rather than using robotic arms, the surgeon works with his hands.
– In the chest MIS is called thoracoscopic surgery
– In the abdomen MIS is called laparoscopic surgery
An endoscopic surgery requires a procedure in which small incisions (normally 0.5–1.5 cm) are made in the body. Trocars are hollow tubes preventing the escape of air are inserted into the chest or abdomen. Carbon dioxide is used to insufflate the abdomen and create a working space. To gain access to the internal anatomical structures, laparoscopic instruments are inserted through the use of the trocars.
A laparoscope is a long video cable system with fiber optics that allows remote viewing of the area affected. This technique allows the surgeon to see within the patient’s body and to operate through a much smaller incision than conventional open surgery would otherwise require.
Minimally Invasive Surgery - Clinical and economic benefits
In basic terms, the advancement of MIS and technology provide — better performance and lower costs.
MIS is associated with better outcomes from a clinical perspective
– decreased levels of complications such as infections
– blood loss
– incisional hernias
– adhesions
– postoperative pain
Economic benefits include
– reduced hospital stay and hospital admissions
– decreased recovery times
– reduced costs during the treatment cycle
It’s also good news for hospitals, as operations are performed quicker and the ratio of revenue to expenses can be higher. MIS patients are usually back to their everyday lives quicker than people who have had open surgery.
Compared to MIS, patients with open-surgery can experience
– higher rates of expensive complications
– prolonged hospital stays
– increased blood loss
– higher readmission rates
All-patients, payers, and physicians-would end up paying more for less desirable outcomes.
Open Surgery or Laparoscopy? Which one would be right for me?
When determining which modality is best for you, a holistic approach is of vital importance. Don’t presume what worked for your friend is going to work for you, as each individual is unique.
Paving the Way Forward
Minimally invasive surgery is gaining popularity and the healthcare industry has evolved exponentially. The accelerated demand for MIS is fuelled by the numerous benefits it provides over conventional open procedures.
Our premium quality surgical products are revolutionizing patient care. To endorse these types of operations, we provide minimally invasive surgical equipment, allowing many more hospitals to use this surgical procedure for their own patients.
This is just the beginning of the resources that we can deliver – better healthcare for the future!