Minimally Invasive Surgery

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery uses the most innovative techniques to produce excellent surgical results with smaller incisions, far less tissue damage, and less pain than open (traditional) surgery.

With minimally invasive surgery, procedures generally require less time in the hospital, and recovery is faster and easier.

What minimally invasive surgery choices do I have?

Arizona Preferred Surgeons offers two kinds of advanced minimally invasive surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery

In laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon creates between one and four buttonhole-sized incisions in your skin. They place a thin tubular tool (laparoscope) through one incision.

The laparoscope is equipped with a tiny video camera that sends real-time video of the surgery site to a gurney-side monitor. Your surgeon views the monitor as they perform the surgery.

Robotic-assisted surgery

Arizona Preferred Surgeons offers da Vinci® robot-assisted surgery, a variation of laparoscopic surgery. The surgery involves the same basic approach (tiny incisions and specialized tools). But with the da Vinci robotic surgery system, your surgeon sits at a state-of-the-art console instead.

From the console, your surgeon controls the robotic arms. The robotic arm never moves without a command from your surgeon. The surgical console has a monitor with 10-times magnification for ultraclear views of the surgical site.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery also offers the surgeon an expanded range of motion and stability. The robotic arms can rotate in a complete circle, unlike the human hand. And the da Vinci system features tremor filtration technology to help your surgeon smoothly control the robotic arms with peak efficiency.

Both minimally invasive surgery approaches offer impressive advantages, which is why minimally invasive techniques are almost always preferred where possible.

How does recovery from minimally invasive surgery work?

Arizona Preferred Surgeons uses ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) to minimize your time in the hospital and help you recover comfortably.

ERAS is an evidence-based recovery approach that starts even before your surgery. Your preparation includes learning about your procedure, goal-setting, and improving your general health.

The ERAS protocol includes customized anesthesia, medication, and intravenous (IV) fluids based on the procedure and your specific needs. ERAS seeks to reduce the use of opioid drugs while still effectively relieving your pain.

Your recovery includes a quick return to walking, eating, and getting back to your life, so it makes it far easier to bounce back after surgery.

Call Arizona Preferred Surgeons now or book an appointment online for minimally invasive surgery that combines science and compassion.