What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery at Orlando Health is a surgical approach to minimize trauma, maximize outcomes and enable patients to quickly return to their normal life.

Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to collect tissue for biopsy and to perform accurate "staging" studies to determine the best cancer treatment plan. In some cases, our surgeons use a state-of-the-art robotic device to assist with minimally invasive cancer operations.

While minimally invasive surgical techniques have been offered for several years, advances in robotic technology are providing even better results for both patients and surgeons. Orlando Health uses the da Vinci® surgical system, which allows even more control and enhanced imaging of the surgical field.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Less blood loss
• Decreased need for blood transfusions
• Shorter hospital stays
• Decreased pain and need for postoperative pain medications
• Earlier resumption of regular diet
• Less scarring and improved cosmetic appearance
• Quicker recovery and return to normal activities

Minimally Invasive Technologies Available

• da Vinci® Robotic Surgery
• Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)
• Laparoscopy
• Hysteroscopy

da Vinci® Surgical System

While minimally invasive surgical techniques have been offered for several years, advances in robotic technology are providing even better results for both patients and surgeons. The Cancer Center and ORMC use the da Vinci® surgical system, which allows even more control and enhanced imaging of the surgical field.

Although the robotic arms are doing the actual surgery, they still require direct input from the surgeon and cannot be merely programmed to operate without human intervention. Candidates for robotic-assisted surgery include patients undergoing prostatectomy, hysterectomy, thoracic procedures and some general surgeries.

Benefits of Robotic-assisted Surgery

• Smaller incisions
• Less blood loss and need for transfusion
• Decreased pain, discomfort and recovery time
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less scarring and improved cosmetic appearance

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that allows surgeons to examine the abdominal organs or the female pelvic organs through a small incision in the abdominal wall. A thin, lighted tube, called a laparoscope, is inserted through the incision to examine the surgical area. Surgeons are then able to view tumors and surrounding structures in order to diagnose problems, such as cysts, adhesions, fibroids, and infections. Tissue samples can be collected for biopsy through the scope.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat many intrauterine and endocervical problems. It is a diagnostic and surgical procedure that enables surgeons to examine the inside of the uterus without making an incision. During the procedure, a thin, telescopic lighted instrument, called a hysteroscope, is inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus.