If you need surgery, there’s a good chance your doctor will recommend a minimally invasive technique like laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery, two techniques that use smaller incisions and special instruments. Both these techniques have significant benefits for patients, making them the preferred approach for many types of surgery.
Michael Renfrow, MD, FACS and Steven Kanter, MD, FACS have extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery using state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge surgical techniques at their practice in Miami, Florida. In this post, the team at South Florida Surgical Group spells out some of the most important benefits offered by these two types of minimally invasive surgery.
Although robotic and laparoscopic surgeries are both minimally invasive, they use different techniques.
Robotic surgery (or robot-assisted surgery) uses robotic technology designed specifically for medical procedures.
These devices feature surgical arms controlled by the surgeon. The arms are fully articulated, which means they’re capable of a wide range of motion even within a tiny incision.
The surgeon guides the arms using special handheld devices and real-time video monitoring with state-of-the-art imaging technology. Robotic technology allows for better precision and accuracy in many types of surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery (sometimes called laparoscopy) uses a flexible, lighted device called a laparoscope to see inside the surgical site. The scope features a tiny camera that sends detailed, real-time images to a video monitor so the surgeon has a clear, magnified view of the site.
Laparoscopic surgery also uses specialized instruments designed to be deployed through small surgical incisions. In addition to performing surgery, the laparoscope can be used to diagnose medical problems.
Minimally invasive surgery offers benefits for both the patient and the surgeon, like the six listed here.
Both laparoscopic surgery and robot-assisted surgery use very small incisions — much smaller than the large, single incision used in traditional, open surgery. That means after your surgery, your scars will be less visible.
Those smaller incisions also reduce the risk of complications, including infections during and after surgery. Other potential complications, like excessive bleeding or nerve damage, are dramatically reduced. In addition, you may spend less time under anesthesia if you have a minimally invasive procedure.
Smaller incisions and tinier instruments allow for greater precision during the surgery, and that means less surrounding tissue is damaged. As a result, minimally invasive procedures are associated with less bleeding during and after surgery and less swelling during the recovery period.
Since there’s less tissue damage with minimally invasive surgeries, it’s no surprise that you also have less discomfort after surgery. There’s less uncomfortable swelling, too.
When tissue damage is minimized, it’s easier for your body to heal and recover. In addition to a speedier recovery, a minimally invasive procedure can help you get back to your regular activities faster.
Many minimally invasive procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. When you do need a hospital stay, minimally invasive surgery typically means you can be discharged faster compared to traditional surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery requires a highly specialized skill set, and not every doctor is qualified to perform these techniques. Both Dr. Kanter and Dr. Renfrow are fellows of the American College of Surgeons, which means they’re highly skilled in both minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques, so you can feel confident your surgery will use the best approach for your needs.
To learn more about minimally invasive surgery and whether it’s a good choice for your health, call us at 305-279-9522, or book an appointment online today.
