Difference between open and minimally invasive surgery

All surgeries have risks, but these are generally much less in minimally invasive surgeries.

  • In open surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision to open the body and see the surgical area to perform the procedure.
  • In minimally invasive surgery, also called laparoscopic or keyhole surgery, only small incisions are made through which the procedure is performed while the surgeon views the area where the surgery is performed on a big screen.

How is minimally invasive surgery performed?

There are different minimally invasive surgical techniques:

Keyhole surgery

This surgery is performed through one or more small incisions, and catheters (tubes) with micro cameras, surgical instruments, lights, dyes, other equipment or consumables such as plugs for heart valve repairs are fed into the body through the incisions. The surgeon clearly views inside the body where the surgery is performed on a large 3D screen.

How is minimally invasive surgery performed?

There are different minimally invasive surgical techniques:

Robotic assisted surgery

In addition to the benefits of laparoscopic surgery, highly advanced robotic systems and its software offer surgeons improved control, much finer hand movements, and usually restricts them from operating outside predetermined parameters at the surgical site.

This superior control makes robotic assisted surgery extremely beneficial in complex, intricate procedures and enables the surgeon to operate with more precision and less risk of damaging important nerves. In prostate surgery, for example, nerve sparing means less risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction after surgery.

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What types of minimally invasive surgery can be performed?

Surgeons perform many minimally invasive surgeries on specific parts of the body, including, but not limited to:

Neurosurgery

e.g. brain and spine surgery

Thoracic (chest) surgery

Thoracic (chest) surgery including lung surgery

Cardiac surgery

Cardiac surgery such as heart valve repair or replacement and cardiac stent procedures

Gynaecological surgery

Various surgeries including hysterectomy and opening of blocked fallopian tubes

Urinary tract and prostate surgery

Urinary tract and prostate surgery such as removal of cancerous growths

Abdominal surgery

Abdominal surgery including colon and rectal surgery

Gastroenterological surgery

Various surgeries such as a gastric bypass, a type of bariatric (weight loss) surgery

Orthopaedic surgery

Orthopaedic surgery including hip and knee replacements

Endovascular surgery

Endovascular surgery including opening of narrowed or blocked arteries and harvesting of blood vessels for cardiac bypass surgery

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery for patients

Benefits generally associated with keyhole surgery include the following:

  • Smaller incisions and less scarring

  • Less blood loss during surgery

  • Fewer possible complications, including less risk of surgical site infection

  • Less pain after the procedure