Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (also called laparoscopic surgery) is the marriage of modern technology and surgical innovation. it allows many procedures which previously required large incisions to now be done through small button hole-sized incisions.

The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include:

Smaller incisions
Less tissue damage
Less bleeding
Minimal discomfort
Quicker recovery
Greatly reduced scarring

Not every patient may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, due to the nature of their surgery or their physiology. Your surgeon can determine whether minimally invasive surgery is appropriate for you.

The Technique

Minimally invasive surgery uses an endoscope to see inside the body. This flexible tube is smaller than the diameter of a drinking straw, and has a camera and light attached. The endoscope is inserted into the body through a small incision.

The specially designed instruments needed for the surgery are inserted through other tiny incisions. These are often the size of small coins, compared to "open" surgery where incisions are several inches long.

Viewing the high resolution images from the endoscope on a monitor, the surgeon is able to move, cut, stitch and staple structures during the operation.

Minimally Invasive Surgery at EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth surgeons have been at the forefront of new, minimally invasive surgical techniques. In many cases, our surgeons have been key in developing and refining the surgical instruments needed for minimally invasive surgeries.

Learn more about minimally invasive techniques for these procedures at EvergreenHealth: