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Videosurgery sounds futuristic, but these minimally
invasive medical procedures are commonly performed today.
By inserting a tiny, fiberoptic rod attached to a camera
through small incisions, doctors are able to project
what is happening inside the body onto a television
monitor. They may use the camera as a diagnostic tool–that
is, for examining specific organs and sites with the
body–or as a guide to perform surgery using specially
designed instruments.
The technology of videosurgery continues to be refined
and expanded, enabling specially trained surgeons, such
as those at University Hospital’s Center for Diagnostic
and Therapeutic Videosurgery, to perform procedures
using smaller incisions and with a quicker recovery
period than typically occurs with "open" surgery.
The decision to utilize videosurgery techniques instead
of a traditional “open” surgical approach
must be made on an individual basis and only after the
patient and doctor have reviewed all of the risks and
benefits. However, there are some overall benefits of
videosurgery or laparoscopic surgery to be considered:
- A state-of-the-art-tool
for diagnosis. While X-rays can identify
a mass or lump in the body, using a videoscope enables
the doctor to directly see the mass and, with special
instruments, obtain a tissue sample. In some cases,
the cause of pain can be identified and corrected
within the same procedure.
- Smaller incisions.
"Open" surgery often requires that an incision
be made that is 9 to 12 inches long; some may be even
longer. With videosurgery, there may be anywhere from
one to five small incisions (depending on the procedure)
that are each between 1/4 inch and 1 inch in length.
- An enhanced view for
the operating team. Today’s
endoscopes can magnify an area two to seven times.
This provides the surgeon with a greater amount of
detail. And, with the images projected onto a television
monitor, the entire surgical team sees what is happening.
- Rapid recovery.
During videosurgery, the doctor does not have to make
major cuts through muscle and tissue. There is less
post-operative pain, which makes recovery time much
shorter. For example, with "open" gallbladder
removal, the patient could face a 5- to 8-day hospital
stay and not be able to resume normal activities for
4 to 6 weeks. When the gallbladder is removed laparoscopically,
as most are today, many patients can be discharged
the same day or the day after surgery, with a total
recovery time of 3 to 7 days.
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Videosurgery
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