The Innovation Of MIS
Minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) are surgical procedures that utilize various techniques, such as smaller incisions and tony cameras, to reduce damage to the body. In contrast, traditional open surgery requires larger incisions and longer healing times and recovery. The ability to proceed with MIS depends on the type of surgery, the condition being treated, and the level of urgency. Elective procedures, which are generally non-emergent and can be scheduled in advance, can often utilize minimally invasive techniques. Some examples of MIS are laparoscopy, endoscopy, robotic surgery, and arthroscopy. There are many benefits to undergoing MIS that ultimately reduce the patient’s overall recovery time.
Shorter hospital stays
As MIS uses smaller incisions and minimizes tissue trauma, patients can often go home the same day. Local anesthesia and minor sedation are frequently used, requiring less post-operative monitoring. Oftentimes, the MIS procedure can be performed outpatient in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), bypassing the hospital altogether.
Reduced infection rates
About 1-3% of surgeries will lead to the development of a surgical site infection (SSI) in the patient. In a large research study of spinal surgeries, open procedures were 5.7 times more likely to lead to an SSI compared with minimally invasive procedures. Shorter hospital stays also contribute to lower infection rates, as there is less time to be exposed.
Minimal scarring
Since minimally invasive procedures utilize smaller keyhole incisions, the procedure causes less tissue trauma, less bleeding, and more rapid healing. This is most evident in robotic-assisted surgeries that use small incisional access points and precision-guided instruments. Endoscopic procedures are performed without making any incisions, with the surgeon accessing the area requiring treatment through existing openings such as the mouth or anus.
Is MIS right for me?
Whether MIS is the correct type of surgery depends on several factors. Namely, the type of surgery required, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s expertise. First, some procedures like laparoscopy require gas insufflation into the abdomen to see the abdominal structures through a thin, flexible tube. Some patients with lung diseases, like COPD, may adversely respond to the gas, causing respiratory complications, and are typically not good candidates for MIS. On the other hand, patients with multiple comorbidities may be safer with MIS instead of an open procedure, given the shorter recovery process. A surgeon can create the safest plan based on individual factors.
A faster path to recovery
Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized the surgical landscape by offering a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. These procedures, which involve smaller incisions and specialized instruments, reduce hospital time infection rates and minimize scarring. If surgery is required, ask the surgeon whether MIS is appropriate.
