Keyhole surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, refers to a surgical technique performed with the aid of a miniature camera and surgical instruments inserted through small incisions. The spelling of "keyhole" can be explained through its International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription as /ˈkiːhoʊl/. The "k" sound at the beginning is followed by a long "e" sound, represented by the "ee" spelling. The "ho" combination makes a long "o" sound and the final "l" is pronounced as a soft "l".
Keyhole surgery, also known as laparoscopic surgery or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical technique that involves making small incisions or puncture wounds to access and perform specific procedures inside the body. It is called "keyhole" surgery because the incisions made are typically small, similar to the size of a keyhole. This approach aims to minimize trauma to the body by avoiding large incisions, resulting in lesser scarring, reduced pain, and a shorter recovery period for the patient.
During keyhole surgery, a laparoscope is inserted through one of the small incisions. A laparoscope is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and a light source that provides visual information of the internal organs or structures. This real-time imagery is displayed on a monitor, enabling the surgeon to perform the procedure accurately.
Other specialized surgical instruments are also inserted through additional small incisions to manipulate and treat the affected area. These instruments are specifically designed for keyhole surgery, being long and thin to fit through the small openings. The surgeon skillfully performs the necessary procedures, such as removing organs, repairing tissues, or even conducting exploratory investigations.
Keyhole surgery has revolutionized many surgical procedures across various medical specialties. It is commonly employed in gynecology, urology, orthopedics, gastrointestinal surgery, and general surgery. By reducing the risk of complications, minimizing postoperative pain, and accelerating the recovery process, keyhole surgery has become a preferred option for many patients and surgeons.
The word "keyhole surgery" is derived from the anatomy of a keyhole or keyway, which is a small, round or oval-shaped hole in a lock that allows the insertion of a key. The term was borrowed to describe a surgical technique known as laparoscopy or minimally invasive surgery. In this procedure, small incisions are made in the body, typically no larger than a keyhole, through which a slender, tube-like instrument called a laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope provides a view of the internal organs, and additional small instruments can be used through the same or other incisions to perform various surgical procedures. The term "keyhole surgery" aptly captures the idea that only small openings are made, mimicking the concept of a key fitting into a keyhole.