Minimal surgical procedures, also known as minimally invasive surgery or minimally invasive procedures, refer to a range of medical interventions that are performed using techniques designed to minimize the extent of surgical incisions and reduce patient trauma. These procedures are often conducted using small instruments and cameras, allowing surgeons to operate with precision through tiny incisions.
The primary goal of minimal surgical procedures is to achieve the same therapeutic benefits as traditional open surgery while minimizing patient discomfort, scarring, and recovery time. By utilizing smaller incisions, this approach offers numerous advantages, including reduced blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster post-operative recovery.
These procedures typically involve the use of specialized instruments, such as laparoscopes or endoscopes, which are inserted through small incisions or natural body openings. Surgeons can navigate through the body using real-time imaging provided by these instruments, allowing for visualization and manipulation of internal structures. This technique is often used in areas like general surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, urology, and cardiothoracic surgery.
Examples of minimal surgical procedures include laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), arthroscopic knee surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting, and laparoscopic hysterectomy. These techniques have revolutionized the field of surgery by offering patients less invasive alternatives to traditional open surgery, resulting in reduced complications and faster recovery times.
