Minimally Invasive Surgery: The Treatment Method of the Future

Minimally invasive surgery is a surgical technique that has revolutionized the medical world in recent years. This method, which is far less invasive than traditional surgical procedures, allows patients to recover faster while also reducing the risk of complications. Often known as "closed surgery" or "laparoscopic surgery," minimally invasive surgery allows medical teams to access internal organs through smaller incisions. In this article, we'll cover all aspects of minimally invasive surgery, from its definition and applications to its advantages and future developments.

Definition of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is a surgical technique that allows patients to recover faster and experience less pain. Unlike traditional surgery, this method is performed with smaller incisions. The area to be operated on is typically accessed with a camera (laparoscope) and surgical instruments. This eliminates the need for large incision scars and long recovery times.

The basic principle of minimally invasive surgery is to use a video camera and special surgical tools to intervene in internal organs through small incisions in the body. During the surgery, the surgeon gets a high-resolution view via a camera placed inside the body. This image helps the surgeon see what's happening inside the body and perform the procedure with the utmost precision.

The History of Minimally Invasive Surgery

The origins of minimally invasive surgery date back to the mid-20th century. It made a major breakthrough in the 1980s with the popularization of laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery used smaller incisions to intervene in organs within the abdomen. This allowed patients to experience less pain and recover faster. Subsequently, new technologies like robotic surgery and endoscopic surgery were developed, revolutionizing the field of minimally invasive surgery.

Types of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery can be applied in more than one type. These surgical types are selected according to the patients' condition and treatment needs. Here are some of the most common types of minimally invasive surgery:

1. Laparoscopic Surgery

   Laparoscopic surgery is a method used to intervene in organs within the abdomen. The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdominal wall and places a camera and surgical instruments through these incisions. Laparoscopic surgery is often used for conditions such as gallbladder surgeries, appendicitis operations, and gastro-bariatric surgery.

2. Robotic Surgery

   Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses robotic systems. This method gives surgeons the ability to move with greater precision and control. Robotic surgery is especially preferred in the treatment of prostate cancer, cardiac surgery, and some types of cancer.

3. Endoscopic Surgery

   Endoscopic surgery is a surgical technique performed with a device called an endoscope. The endoscope contains a tube placed into the body through a small incision and allows for a visual examination of the internal organs. This method is often used to diagnose and treat problems with the stomach, intestines, and lungs.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery has numerous advantages over traditional open surgery. These advantages create a big change for both patients and surgeons:

• Faster Recovery:

  One of the biggest advantages of minimally invasive surgery is that the recovery period is much shorter. Because small incisions are used, there is no major trauma to the body. This allows patients to recover faster. Additionally, patients can often be discharged within a few days after the surgery.

• Less Pain and Lower Risk of Complications:

  When large incisions are made in traditional surgeries, tissue damage increases, and patients feel more pain. In minimally invasive surgery, pain is less because small incisions are used. Also, the risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications is lower.

• Smaller Scars:

  Thanks to minimally invasive surgery, patients are left with smaller scars. This is a significant aesthetic advantage and helps patients feel better psychologically.

• Shorter Hospital Stay:

  Since patients recover faster after minimally invasive surgery, they stay in the hospital for a shorter period. This provides a significant advantage for patients in terms of time and cost.

Areas of Application for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery can be applied for many different diseases and conditions. Although this technique is often preferred for problems related to internal organs, it is now used in many different fields. Here are the most common areas where minimally invasive surgery is used:

1. Gallbladder Surgeries:

   Gallstones can be treated with laparoscopic surgery. This method allows patients to recover quickly and shortens their hospital stay.

2. Appendicitis Surgery:

   Minimally invasive surgery is widely used in the treatment of appendicitis. This technique allows patients to experience less pain and a shorter recovery time.

3. Cancer Surgery:

   Minimally invasive surgical methods are used in the treatment of some types of cancer. Especially in lung, liver, and prostate cancer, successful results are obtained with minimally invasive surgery.

4. Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss Surgeries):

   In the treatment of obesity, weight loss surgeries are performed using laparoscopic methods. These types of surgeries allow patients to recover within a shorter period.

5. Gynecological Surgery:

   Minimally invasive surgery is also applied for women's diseases and gynecological problems. Laparoscopic surgery is especially preferred in the treatment of myoma and endometriosis.

The Future of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is a rapidly developing field. Technological advancements are allowing this type of surgery to be performed with more precision, speed, and safety. The use of robotic surgery, in particular, is enabling surgeons to have finer motor skills and perform more complex operations. It is predicted that these methods will be used in more medical fields and provide even more advantages for patients in the future.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive surgery is a significant technology that is shaping the future of medicine. While it allows surgeons to perform more precise and accurate interventions, it also enables patients to recover faster. Having created a field that can replace and complement traditional surgery, minimally invasive surgery offers a less invasive, safer, and faster treatment process. With the advancement of technology, the use of minimally invasive surgery is expected to become more widespread and be used in more fields.