Which Surgical Procedure Should You Choose?
Surgery is sometimes necessary to diagnose, repair, or treat a chronic condition or injury. Some surgeries are minor or chosen for cosmetic purposes. Others, like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction or bone fracture repair, are for more severe situations and can need several months of rehabilitation. Patients must, therefore, choose the most effective type of surgery for the best results. In almost all cases, a patient may have the option of open surgery or minimally invasive means. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is becoming the more popular choice. This strategy can limit the damage and be more convenient while still achieving the goal of repairing the underlying condition.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Traditional surgery involves making a large incision several inches long to access the affected tissue, bone, or organ. This technique is still effective in many cases. Minimally invasive surgery, on the other hand, uses 1 or more small incisions of less than an inch. Through a buttonhole incision, the surgeon places a scope, a surgical device with a light and camera attachment. The scope projects images of the surgical site through an external monitor, allowing the surgeon to view the area without making large incisions. The additional incisions allow for small surgical tools to access and perform the surgery. MIS is the cornerstone of facilities like ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), which only focus on efficient outpatient procedures.
Small incisions, less pain, faster recovery
The body can heal a small incision faster than a large open cut needed for traditional surgery. MIS relies on this concept and only requires multiple small incisions. For instance, surgeons can now perform partial joint replacements or rotator cuff repairs using MIS. As there is less tissue damage, there is a shorter recovery timeline. Smaller incisions also mean less pain, which can come from the tissue manipulation needed with traditional techniques. Less postoperative pain means patients can return to work or daily activities faster.
In and out in a flash
Traditional surgery requires patients to spend additional time in the hospital. The extra days in the hospital are necessary to manage pain and support the healing process. Most minimally invasive surgeries do not require long hospital stays. The incisions can be secured easily, and since there is no additional tissue damage, the patient can leave the hospital on the same day. Some patients choose to have MIS in an outpatient facility like an ASC. This cuts the timeline for surgery and the recovery time, allowing patients to return to work or start physical therapy faster.
Reduce the risk of complications
Surgical complications can happen in 1 in 3 patients, ranging from minor to life-threatening. Infections, excess bleeding, nerve damage, and blood clots are common issues that arise after surgery. These complications are more likely to occur in traditional surgery than in MIS. The small incisions and precision surgery limit bleeding and tissue damage. Outpatient surgeries in surgical centers limit the risk of infections as there is less contact with other patients. These benefits can ultimately lead to better outcomes, healthier patients, and a reduction in recovery time.
Cut the costs
Surgical procedures can be expensive, especially for patients without insurance. Traditional procedures require longer stays at the hospital and more expensive medication. Surgical procedures can also be more expensive in hospitals. MIS can be more cost-effective in ASCs. Outpatient facilities focus on minimally invasive procedures and efficient care. Since hospital stays are unnecessary, the cost savings are passed on to the patient.
Back on your feet in no time
Surgery can be a vital, sometimes lifesaving option. Recovery can be a challenge, as patients need to take time off work, arrange support, and deal with postoperative pain. Choosing MIS can reduce pain and recovery time while being more efficient. Smaller incisions and advanced procedures lead to faster healing and fewer complications. Patients can save weeks or even months on recovery time or thousands of dollars, depending on the surgery. MIS cannot be applied to all cases. Some patients with severe conditions will require traditional surgery. Trust in a surgeon to perform an evaluation and recommend MIS accordingly.
