MIS Shaping Procedural Medicine
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has transformed the field of medicine by offering less invasive approaches and often more effective outcomes. These procedures involve smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and often incorporate the use of cameras to guide surgeons during the operation. The end result is precision medicine with a myriad of benefits directly impacting patient care.
What are the common types?
MIS encompasses a wide range of procedures treating a variety of medical conditions. Laparoscopy involves procedures in the abdomen such as gallbladder removal, appendectomy, or hysterectomy. Endoscopy examines internal organs like the colon and esophagus. Robotic surgery employs robotic arms controlled by a surgeon to perform delicate surgeries, such as a prostatectomy or heart surgery. Arthroscopy involves joint surgery, enabling surgeons to repair knees, hips, and shoulders. Thoracoscopy is used for chest surgery to remove lung nodules and thoracic conditions. Let’s dive into the advantages of these common minimally invasive devices over traditional open techniques.
Reduction in pain
MIS addresses surgical concerns through small, keyhole incisions that decrease blood loss and cause less tissue trauma. Open surgical methods require larger incisions that cause more bleeding and tissue disruption, requiring pain medication post-operatively. In a study of patients with spinal stenosis, MIS resulted in less post-operative at 3 and 6 months when compared to conventional open surgery patients.
Recovery is shorter
One of the most salient advantages of MIS is the post-surgical recovery period. MIS procedures often take longer to perform as a result of involving more steps than open procedures. For example, robotic surgery takes time to set up and change instruments prolonging surgical duration, but offers shorter hospital stays, faster healing, and quicker return to daily activities.
Lower risk of infection
Surgical site infections (SSI) following surgery occur in about 1% to 3% of cases. Infections to surgical wounds commonly occur from bacterial spread through direct contact, in the air, or from colonized bacteria on the skin. In a study comparing infection rates of MIS versus open procedures 30 days post-operatively, the result significantly favored MIS. For instance, infection rates associated with MIS for appendectomy patients was 3.8% compared to 7% for open procedures.
Better satisfaction rates
Patient satisfaction rates are an important variable for assessing surgical outcomes. The results of one study evaluating spinal patients treated with MIS patient versus open surgery demonstrated higher mental health and self-image at 6 months in MIS patients.
A bright future for MIS
MIS is a rapidly growing field, and as surgeons develop and learn new techniques, MIS will likely become more mainstream in the future. MIS is being used more broadly on a wider range of conditions. This will benefit more satisfied patients who will receive safer, shorter, and less painful minimally invasive surgeries for years to come.
