Traditional “open surgery,” where a surgeon operates with handheld instruments through a large cut (incision), may be the first method that comes to mind when you think about surgery. However, you could also be a candidate for a less invasive approach requiring just a few small cuts, called minimally invasive surgery. Minimally invasive surgery includes laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery. 

Laparoscopic Surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery is a specialized technique for performing surgery. In “open surgery” the surgeon uses a single incision to enter into the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery uses several 0.5-1cm incisions called “ports”. At each port a tubular instrument known as a trochar is inserted.  At the beginning of the procedure, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide a working and viewing space for the surgeon. Specialized instruments and a special camera known as a laparoscope are passed through the trochars during the procedure. The laparoscope transmits images from the abdominal cavity to high-resolution video monitors in the operating room. During the operation the surgeon watches detailed images of the abdomen on the monitor. This system allows the surgeon to perform the same operations as traditional surgery but with smaller incisions.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery.
Foundation Health Partners’ surgeons use the daVinci® Surgical System to perform minimally invasive surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery gives your surgeon a 3D high definition view of your anatomy for enhanced visualization, precision, dexterity and control. Because the tools are so small, the surgery can be done through tiny incisions, or for some procedures, one small incision made inside of the belly button.