Minimally Invasive Surgery
July 26, 2016
What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is frequently used in human medicine. Over the last decade it has transitioned over to veterinary medicine. Different types of minimally invasive surgeries exist, however the common principle behind these surgeries is that small incisions are made to allow insertion of a camera and surgical tools. The surgery is performed using hand held control devices and by visualizing the area in question on a computer monitor.
The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include faster recovery and quicker return to normal function. Many orthopedic and soft tissue procedures can be performed using these state-of the-art techniques:
- Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows our surgeons to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. Hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow are joints that commonly require arthroscopy.
- Laparoscopy allows our surgeons to perform a variety of soft tissue surgeries. Such procedures include: ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy, gastropexy, cryptorchid castration, and organ biopsies.
- Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows our surgeons to visualize the chest cavity without the need to separate the ribs. Procedures that can be performed thoracoscopically include lung biopsy, partial lung lobectomy, pericardal window and subtotal pericardiectomy.