Minimally-invasive surgery allows surgeons to perform the same procedure as traditional “open” operations, but with much smaller incisions. Multiple studies have shown that minimally-invasive operations avoid the large incisions used for open operations, allowing patients to have reduced post-operative pain, reduced hospital stay, improved cosmetic outcome, and a shorter time returning to work and normal activity. It has also been shown to decrease incisional hernia rates, infection, and scar tissue formation when compared to open operations.
Minimally invasive operations are performed through tiny incisions ranging in size from less than 1 cm to 3 cm. The operation is visualized on a high definition television via a lighted scope placed through one of these small incisions. Instruments have been designed to be placed through these small incisions to aid the surgeon in performing the operation in a similar manner as if it was an open operation. Minimally-invasive procedures can be done in both the abdomen and in the chest.
Major technological advances over the past twenty to thirty years have allowed such techniques to evolve. In 1981, the first laparoscopic appendectomy was performed, followed by the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) in 1985. Today, over one million cholecystectomies are performed in the U.S. annually, with over 96% of those being performed laparoscopically. The surgeons at Evansville Surgical Associates are all trained in these minimally-invasive techniques to give patients the best and most up-to-date care possible. Some of the procedures performed by our surgeons include, but not limited to:
- Diagnostic Purposes
- Appendectomy
- Gallbladder Resection
- Hernia Repair
- Reflux Operation
- Gastric Resection
- Bariatric Procedures
- Esophageal Resection
- Esophageal Sphincter Operation
- Feeding Access
- Bile Duct Exploration
- Colon Resection
- Small Bowel Resection
- Spleen Resection
- Adrenal Gland Resection
- Lymph node biopsy/dissection
- Pediatric Procedures
- Lung resection
- Lung Biopsy
- Diaphragm repair
- Liver resection
- Pancreatic resection
An even newer technique being used by some surgeons at Evansville Surgical Associates is robotic surgery. Robotic surgery has all of the benefits of laparoscopic surgery, with the added benefit of greater visualization using three dimensional vision, enhanced dexterity, and greater precision and flexibility. A common misconception is that the robot is performing the procedure. A more accurate description is that the surgeon is at a console manipulating the robotic arms for precise procedures through small incisions.
To learn more about minimally-invasive surgery or to schedule an appointment, click here or call 424-8231 or 800-264-8231. We will schedule the time and location of your procedure based on your preferences.
