Also known as laparoscopic surgery, MIS or minimally invasive surgery is a surgical procedure that uses small incisions where miniscule cameras with microscopes and tiny fiber-optic lights are inserted.
Minimally invasive surgery makes it possible for patients to recover faster with less scarring and blood loss compared to traditional invasive procedures.
Nowadays, less invasive approaches are becoming the treatment option of choice for many patients.
This is not exactly surprising as minimally invasive surgery offers incomparable benefits compared to traditional “open” surgery.
Some of the benefits of minimally invasive procedures include:
Increased Safety
Since the incisions that will be made are minimal, there is also less trauma and blood loss.
Reduced Scarring
Incisions made in minimally invasive procedures will often only take a stitch or two to close.
Lower Infection Risk
Since the procedure is less invasive, the risk of infection is also relatively lower.
Scarring and pain are also minimal.
Shorter Recovery Period
Typically, recovery period from traditional surgery will take six to eight weeks.
With minimally invasive procedures however, recovery period can only be as short as two weeks.
Reduced Hospital Stay
Most patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery are not required to stay in the hospital and are discharged in a few hours.
Common MIS Procedures
Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Laparoscopic myomectomy is the surgical removal of the myomas or uterine fibroids.
Pedunculated myomas and subserous (close to the surface) are often easily removed laparoscopically.
In most cases however, uterine fibroids don’t need to be removed.
However, if it already causes pain, abnormal bleeding, and pressure, laparoscopic myomectomy becomes the recommended treatment option.
Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH)
The process of disconnecting the uterus (and other structures) using laparoscopes is called total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Patients who have undergone the procedure will be made to stay in the hospital for at least a couple of days.
Resting for a maximum of two weeks will also be required.
For women who would need to undergo hysterectomy, TLC is deemed the least painful and least debilitating option available.
Endometriosis Treatment
Laparoscopy is considered the most common procedure carried out when diagnosing and removing mild to moderate cases of endometriosis.
The procedure is carried out by inserting a lighted viewing instrument (otherwise known as a laparoscope) in the small incision.
When necessary, one or two more small incisions will be made where other necessary surgical instruments will be inserted.
Laparoscopic endometriosis is also performed when scar tissue that will cause pain and infertility or visible endometriosis implants need removal.
Preparation
Pre-Surgery
The night before the procedure, washing the surgical site with mild soap is recommended.
Patients should also refrain from ingesting alcohol the night prior to the schedule of the procedure.
When needed, you will be given appropriate directions by your doctor regarding bowel preparation.
On the day of the procedure itself, refrain from using moisturizers, creams, lotions, and make-up.
In addition, it is likely that you will be asked to abstain from drinking and eating after midnight.
To play safe, it would be a wise thing to ask for a list of things to do and things to steer clear of from your physician.
Make sure you strictly adhere to all the instructions in your list.
Post-Surgery
After the procedure, patients will have to spend at least two or three hours in the recovery room.
Pain medications and antibiotics will also be given.
Length of stay in the hospital will often vary depending on the procedure done.
In most cases however, a few days of hospital stay will suffice.
Upon discharge, pain medications as well as other prescriptions will likely be given.
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