7 March 2019 Minimally invasive surgery is also known as videoendoscopic surgery or, in the case of abdominal surgery, l aparoscopic surgery. What are the benefits and advantages of minimally invasive surgery? Using videoendoscopy, minimally invasive surgery enables surgeons to: 1 - Carry out surgical procedures using smaller routes of access Only a few holes are required (as a general rule, between 3 and 5), with sizes ranging from 5 to 10 mm. One hole allows the introduction of a videoendoscope (of 5 or 10 mm in diameter, depending on the procedure being carried out). The remaining holes enable the introduction of surgical instruments (tweezers, scissors and others), which are designed specifically for this type of surgery. This avoids the need for a large or medium incision (as is the case with open or traditional surgery). Inherent benefits: Less pain and greater comfort in the post-operative recovery period; Better aesthetic result; Fewer immediate surgical wound infections; Fewer incisional hernias in the short- to long-term (these are hernias via the operating scar, which have an incidence of around 10% to 15% in traditional surgery). 2 - Reduce surgical manipulation of the structures and organs on which intervention is being carried out In laparoscopic surgery, the surgical team does not introduce its hands into the areas being operated on. The entire procedure is carried out with the use of slim and delicate surgical instruments. This avoids the rough manipulation of anatomical structures and reduces the internal aggression and trauma associated with the procedure. 3 - Have optimised visibility, thanks to amplification of the image by up to 10 times and excellent image quality The quality of the images obtained by current devices, their capacity to magnify images by up to 10 times and the small size of the endoscopes make it possible to dissect and observe anatomical structures clearly. They make it possible to visualise blood vessels or nerves so small they could not be identified in traditional (open) surgery. They also enable visualisation of difficult-to-access cavities or recesses , which would not be possible with traditional surgery. This translates into fewer lesions in important anatomical structures (although small) and minimal blood loss (thanks to effective control of smaller blood vessels that are often inadvertently cut in traditional surgery). 4 - Avoid unwanted exposure of the section of the body being operated on to the air and the external environment during the procedure In traditional surgery, the segment or body cavity being operated on is exposed to air and the external environment. This exposure lasts for the duration of the surgical procedure and is associated with an exponential increase in the risk of infection and important hydroelectrolytic imbalances. These can lead to a weakening of the immune response. In order to avoid this situation, minimally invasive surgery: Reduces the risk of infection; Prevents hydroelectrolytic imbalances; Strengthens the immune response. In summary... The most significant benefits of minimally invasive surgery for patients are as follows: Less post-operative pain; Stronger immune response; Faster overall recovery; Faster return to work; Lower incidence of infections; Lower incidence of incisional hernia; Surgery scars that are hard to see. Minimally invasive abdominal surgery can be used in surgical interventions in the areas of general surgery, gynaecology and urology. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
