Minimally Invasive Surgery

Inspira’s specially-trained surgeons perform dozens of minimally invasive procedures daily. Using techniques requiring smaller incisions and less impact on healthy tissue helps patients heal and recover quickly to return to their daily lives.

What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Surgeons at Inspira use minimally invasive surgical techniques to minimize trauma and enhance patient recovery. Unlike traditional open surgeries, minimally invasive surgeries use small incisions, often less than an inch, through which specialized instruments and a tiny camera are inserted.

The benefits of this type of surgery extend beyond cosmetic advantages. Patients experience less postoperative pain, reduced scarring and shorter hospital stays than traditional surgery. The recovery period is generally quicker, allowing individuals to return to daily activities sooner.

Minimally invasive surgery covers various medical disciplines, including gynecology, orthopedics and gastroenterology. Common procedures include laparoscopic surgeries, arthroscopy and endoscopic interventions.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery uses advanced techniques to perform procedures with smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. In this approach, surgeons employ specialized instruments and often a camera-equipped laparoscope, a thin tube with a light source, to visualize and operate inside the body.

This method reduces the need for large incisions, lowering the impact on surrounding tissues and minimizing blood loss. The laparoscope provides real-time high-definition visuals of the surgical site, allowing surgeons to navigate and perform intricate procedures precisely. This visual guidance enhances the surgeon's accuracy, promoting safer interventions.

What to Expect When You Have Minimally Invasive Surgery

Before surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive pre-operative process, which includes consultations with the surgical team to discuss the procedure, potential risks and expected outcomes, as well as preoperative testing, such as blood work and imaging studies. You will also receive detailed instructions on fasting requirements, medications and lifestyle adjustments leading up to the day of the surgery.

You can expect a different postoperative experience after the procedure than traditional open surgeries. The recovery process is often shorter and, in some cases, you may be discharged on the same day. Pain management is critical to postoperative care, and your Inspira care team will advise you on appropriate pain medications and strategies to minimize discomfort. The small incisions in minimally invasive surgery contribute to reduced scarring, and you will be advised on proper wound care to promote optimal healing.

Based on the surgery performed, you can anticipate a phased return to normal activities. You may be able to resume light activities within days and gradually introduce more strenuous tasks and exercise over a few weeks. Your care team will schedule postoperative follow-up appointments to monitor progress, address concerns and ensure a smooth recovery.