What Alternatives Has Minimally Invasive Surgery Provided the Surgeon?

Abstract

hen a new technology bursts on the horizon and reenergizes a field that has seemed to be flagging, as minimally invasive surgery has done for the field of general surgery, many enthusiasts rapidly embrace the discipline. Questions should arise, however, as to what novelty has really been introduced, where it should fit in our treatment of patients, and, when the dust settles, what alternatives truly have been provided to the advantage of our patients. This article provides information and data about some of these procedures, while trying to address these issues and answer some questions that new technology raises.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Axillary Osmidrosis: Combined Operation with CO2 Laser and Subcutaneous Tissue Remover

“…It is a modern technique for operating via small incisions (minimally invasive cuts) and using endoscopic instruments with video monitoring. 20 Minimally invasive techniques offer many advantages, such as a decrease in infection danger, reduced postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and reduced scarring as compared to traditional surgical procedures. The small operating field in minimally invasive techniques demand advanced skill on the part of the surgeon.…”

Needlescopic versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study of 60 patients

“…There is some controversy, though, regarding the benefits of needlescopic cholecystectomy (NC), for some surgeons consider it a natural evolution of LC 8 , while others contend that tissue trauma in needlescopic cholecystectomy (NC) is not significantly reduced, for the 5 mm ports of LC are already minimal and no benefit can be achieved from further reduction. It is also argued that NC is more troublesome and time consuming, and that visceral pain resulting from removal of the gallbladder is similar for both procedures 3,9,10 .…”

Day two post operative ‘fast-track’ discharge following primary total hip replacement

“…Minimally invasive operative techniques have gained popularity in various surgical specialties in the past 30 years. Studies have shown reduced morbidity, decreased cost of care and improved functional recovery with these less invasive approaches (Mack, 2001;Rothschild, 1998).…”