Minimally Invasive (Laparoscopic) Surgery

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery include smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and less pain

Minimally invasive surgery is any technique involved in surgery that does not require a large incision. This relatively new approach allows the patient to recuperate faster with less pain. Not all conditions are suitable for minimally invasive surgery. Many surgery techniques now fall under minimally invasive surgery, including:

• Laparoscopy - a test that uses a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) to examine organs and check for abnormalities. Laparoscopy is often used during surgery to look inside the body and avoid making large incisions. Tissue samples may also be taken for examination and testing.
  
• Endoscopy - a test that uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope) to examine the inside of part of the digestive tract. Tissue samples from inside the digestive tract may also be taken for examination and testing.
  
• Arthroscopy - with the use of an endoscope, surgeons can look at the interior of a joint. This technique is most often used to inspect the inside of the knee joint.
  
• Bronchoscopy - the examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps to evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, obtain samples of tissue and/or fluid, and/or to help remove a foreign body.
  
• Cystoscopy - inserting a viewing tube up the urethra to examine the urethra and bladder cavity.
  
• Gastroscopy - examining the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine with a long viewing tube.
  
• Hysteroscopy - a visual inspection of the cervical canal and uterine cavity with an endoscope.
  
• Laryngoscopy - inspecting the larynx (voice box) with a mirror or viewing tube.
  
• Sigmoidoscopy - examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon with a viewing tube.
  
• Robotic Surgery System enables surgeons to perform precise, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in a manner never before experienced to enhance healing and promote well-being. As a result; Patient benefits may include:
  
  • Reduced pain and trauma to the body
  • Less blood loss and need for transfusions
  • Less post-operative pain and discomfort
  • Less risk of infection
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery and return to normal daily activities
  • Less scarring and improved comesis

Rochester General Hospital is the first hospital in Upstate New York to implement the da Vinci S HD Surgical System. This is the world’s first robotic surgical system with 3D HD vision, giving surgeons twice the effective viewing resolution for improved clarity and detail of tissue and critical anatomy.

With the da Vinci S HD Surgical System, the second da Vinci system at RGH - surgeons at Rochester General are providing patients with new, minimally invasive surgical procedures that offer significant advantages over traditional "open" surgeries. These robotic-assisted minimally invasive procedures - available to treat conditions as diverse as prostate cancer and hysterectomies - can benefit patients with less pain, discomfort, blood loss and a quicker return to normal activities.

The first da Vinci Surgical System was installed at Rochester General Hospital in 2004. Since then, more than 1,000 prostate-related surgeries have been performed using the da Vinci System, along with almost 300 GYN procedures. The addition of the second da Vinci at Rochester General Hospital will help reduce surgical wait times while also providing many patient benefits.

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