Minimally Invasive Surgery — Procedure Guide, Recovery & Risks | MyMedicPlus

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) encompasses laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic techniques that perform complex operations through small ports or natural orifices, reducing trauma and recovery time.

MIS is applicable across abdominal, thoracic, cardiac, orthopaedic, and neurosurgical procedures including cholecystectomy, colectomy, valve repair, spinal fusion, joint replacement, and tumour resection in suitable candidates.

Small ports (5–12 mm) allow a camera and instruments into the operative field. Robotic platforms (da Vinci) provide 3D vision and wristed instrument movement. The surgeon operates at a console controlling robotic arms with precision.

Compared to open surgery, MIS reduces hospital stay by 50–60%, returns patients to work 2–4 weeks earlier, cuts blood transfusion requirements by 50%, and decreases wound infection rates by 60–80%.

Common MIS risks include port-site bleeding or hernia, gas embolism, and conversion to open surgery in 1–5% for unexpected anatomy or bleeding. Technical errors in confined operative spaces may carry greater consequences.

MIS outcomes are equivalent or superior to open surgery for most indications. Robotic surgery reduces surgeon fatigue and tremor. Meta-analyses confirm significantly lower complication rates with equivalent oncological and functional results.