Redefining Surgery
A surgical procedure can fix a crippling injury or be the difference between life and death. But with all successful surgeries, the next step is managing recovery. Conventional open surgeries bring long recovery times. Operations can also bring unbearable pain at the surgical site. Patients really want to feel better and recover faster. Surgeons may have found the solution in minimally invasive surgeries. So is minimally invasive surgery better for recovery than a traditional open procedure?
Small cuts, big wins
Since the 1980s, minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) are the go-to standard for surgeons. An MIS is an operation done with smaller incisions on the body. The goal is to inflict as little additional trauma as possible. Surgeons use small incisions and insert an endoscope for a full view of the surgical site via a monitor. Operating becomes easier using miniature tools through the same or a second incision. Because of MIS accuracy, the procedure helps with tumor removals, operations on tendons, and bones. Now, technology allows surgeons to even use robotics for MIS.
Turn down the pain
The benefits aren’t solely for surgeons. By taking a minimal approach, a key benefit is a reduction in pain. Patients deal with the pain of a cut several inches long with conventional practices. With one or two cuts of a ¼ inch, the degree of pain is significantly less. Imagine the difference in pain from a tiny slice versus a long gash.
Beware the opioid addiction
Pain management for surgery continues to be a sensitive topic. Prescribed pain medication called opioids helps with recovery. However, opioid addiction is a serious epidemic impacting millions post-surgery. With MIS, a reduction in pain means a reduction in the number of pills and prescriptions provided. Research backs up reduced opioid use with minimally invasive techniques. A comparative study revealed people undergoing MIS needed over 50% fewer pills than open surgery.
Reducing infection
Getting a surgical site infection is rare at about 1-3%. With site infections, bacteria enter the wound when the surgeon makes the incision. Surgical infections are pesky. Infections add fever and swelling to the pain of the incision. But can smaller incisions mean a smaller chance of infection? In a study of over 1,400 spinal surgery candidates, 66% opted for MIS vs open surgery. Infections averaged 0.8% versus the almost 4% of infections with open surgery.
Back on your feet in no time
Minimally invasive surgery can shorten the time between the operating table and normal life. With MIS, the recovery time for surgeries like carpal tunnel and ACL reconstruction is cut in half. Patients also experience a shorter hospital stay. Although the operations are longer than open procedures, MIS allows patients to leave the hospital in a few hours. Smaller incisions mean patients can manage initial pain at home.
Maximum upside from minimally invasive surgery
Open surgery still has a place in resolving life-threatening conditions. However, MIS has really changed the way patients experience simple procedures. Getting surgery is a pain, literally and figuratively. How can a patient say no to an option that puts a dent the pain? Find out if MIS is an option by talking to a surgeon today.
Recent Posts
Sciatica Relief: Is Minimally Invasive Outpatient Microdiscectomy Surgery Your Pain Solution?
Sciatica can create pervasive nerve pain throughout the back and lower body. For some, surgery may be the only solution.
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
Recent Posts
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
RFA vs Traditional Surgery: Choosing The Right Approach For Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain management requires immediate long-term intervention. Surgery and RFA are fantastic options, but which approach is better?
