Minimally Invasive Surgery Definition and Surgery Review

Added: 02/02/2006

Just what is "minimally" invasive? When the incision made by the surgeon doesn't cut too deep? In terms of surgery, it would seem that ANY time a patient is being operated on it's "invasive". How can it not be invasive when there are no less than 3 pairs of hands feeling their way around the patients insides, complete with scalpels, needles and who knows what else. Minimally invasive surgery definition may sound very reassuring. But, as for our brief minimally invasive surgery review, a qualified answer is verified. You need to understand, however, the difference between what we call "minimally invasive surgery" and "minimal incision surgery". In other words, surgeons suggest that a minimal cut (incision) does not always mean the surgery is less invasive, because under the skin, the similar degree of surgical trauma may or may not occur.

Doctors stress that minimally invasive surgery definition itself suggests that it is a developing discipline, and that there exist potential risks due to the lack of observation. More cases and longer records are required. Surgeons cautiously start using minimally invasive surgical methods if they feel they are safe. We'll share some opinions in this minimally invasive surgery review.

In the last 3 years this conception has exploded. Both consumer and surgeon practice have created a mighty wave of demand for "new procedures". Who wouldn't like to undergo a surgery with the least damage possible and with the fastest recovery? Still, the "buts" always appear: this supposes that these methods will result in the high success rates similar to those verified with the traditional surgical techniques. No one would trade a higher risk of failure or minor quality long-term success for several weeks of faster recovery.

At the moment there are a few issued results by the pioneers of the new techniques. The publications have not yet confirmed the advantage of "minimally invasive" or "minimal incision" surgery. Minimally invasive surgery definition has not been studied well and has not received the necessary examination by the orthopedic surgeon's community. At this time, the responsibility is on the health care provider to assure that he/she can do the same quality job via a less invasive approach.

Surgeons now feel that they can do most procedures safely with a less invasive approach using a minimal cut. Most of their first hip replacements are done through much smaller incisions now. The real length of the cut depends on the size and corpulence of the patient. In slim patients they have gone from the initial eight-inch incision to a four-inch one. In heavier patients surgeons may need to a six-inch incision.

They also have reduced some of the muscle dissections, so this also qualifies as a less invasive technique. For surgeons the "less invasive" is standard now. They plainly adjust the length of the cut to the bulk of the patient. If any special circumstances appear, such as complications from prior surgeries or anatomic deformities, surgeons use the standard techniques.

Some surgeons tried using so-called the "two incisions" technique, but it has not proven to be safe. In fact, many surgeons have tried the "two incisions" technique and discarded it due to higher complication rates.

New instruments are being continually developed to assist minimally invasive surgery definition techniques. New implants, designed to be implanted with minimally invasive techniques, are coming soon. Computer routing techniques that may improve the surgeon's ability to visualize the operation site using virtual reality technologies are on the horizon. Robotics (ROBODOC, etc.) will be adjusted to assure the implementation of the surgical chart without the need for straight visualization.

The future still looks promising for minimally invasive surgery definition techniques in hip/ knee surgery, but surgeons must do it safely. Both patients and doctors should be assured that there will be no loss in quality or terms of recovery.

Minimally invasive surgery definition -- just think of it as a brief visit from your mother-in-law.

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