The smallest cut

Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon

- Puja Awasthi

Dr Nitin Sardana is senior consultant, minimally invasive and general surgery at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad. His area of special interest is complex cases needing laser interventions. When not being a doctor, he enjoys long drives and playing outdoor sports with his son.

What is minimally invasive surgery? These are surgeries which are performed with small cuts (5mm-10mm) over the abdomen or chest. There are usually three or four cuts depending on the type of surgery or disease for which they are being performed. For some surgeries, like gallbladder or colon surgery, a single hole or cut is used. These are called SILS Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery.

Minimally invasive versus laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive surgery is an umbrella term for surgeries where there is little damage to the tissue because of the small hole. Laparoscopic surgeries are a type of minimally invasive surgery. Other minimally invasive surgeries are VATS (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery) and LASER procedures carried out for piles, fistula and pilonidal sinus. Robotic surgeries are also a kind of minimally invasive surgery.

The benefits: There is minimal blood loss and less chance of wound infection. The postoperative pain and hospitalisation period are minimal, and the patient can return to his normal routine soon. And small cuts mean smaller scars. Often these surgeries can be performed as day care procedures.