It’s fair to say that no one looks forward to surgery, but many symptoms or conditions simply can’t be put off. If you feel anxious about surgery, be sure to tell your surgery care team and ask about the measures in place to protect you. You can also explore the different ways our doctors can perform the surgery you need.
Traditional open surgery, where a surgeon operates with handheld instruments through an incision, may be the first method that comes to mind. However, you could also be a candidate for a less invasive approach requiring just a few small cuts, called minimally invasive surgery. Northern Light Mercy Hospital offers minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery.
Benefits of minimally invasive surgery
Most minimally invasive procedures involve a few very small incisions; some require none. Many procedures can be done on an outpatient basis. When compared with open surgery, minimally invasive procedures offer benefits, including:
- Shorter hospital stays
- Reduced bleeding
- Fewer complications
- A faster recovery
- Fewer and/or smaller incisions associated with minimal scarring