When it comes to surgery, physicians work with their patients to develop the most appropriate treatment plan to help get them back on their feet as fast as possible. Minimally invasive surgery is one option that results in less pain and a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods.
At Long Beach Memorial, patients have access to nine surgical specialties for minimally invasive surgery:
- Cardiac surgery, specializing in advanced valve treatment and bypass procedures
- General and gastrointestinal surgery, including gallbladder and colon cancer
- Gynecology, including fibroid tumors, hysterectomy and certain cancers
- Head & neck, including throat and thyroid cancer
- Orthopedics, including hip and spine
- Otolaryngology (ear, nose & throat), including opening the sinus
- Surgical oncology, including robotic-assisted surgery for a variety of cancers
- Thoracic, including video-assisted surgery
- Urology, including prostate and urological cancer
“For patients, the benefits of minimally invasive surgery are numerous, including the elimination of a large incision,” says Les Edrich, M.D., medical director, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery program, Long Beach Memorial. “The smaller incisions mean less scarring, shorter hospital stays and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.”
Whether it is robotic-assisted surgery, laparoscopic surgery or thoracoscopic surgery, Long Beach Memorial surgeons are equipped with the latest technology and training to provide optimal care tailored to each patient.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Using robotic-assisted surgery, surgeons have improved visualization, dexterity, precision and control, while only making small 1 – 2 cm incisions. Controlled by the surgeon, and assisted by a highly trained surgical team, each movement of the surgeon’s hands is translated into precise, real-time movements by the robot. Exact precision is possible because of the robot’s “wrists,” which provide surgeons with natural dexterity and a range of motion far greater than even the human hand. Surgeons are able to perform smaller incisions to reach often hard-to-access areas of the body.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is available for a number of surgical procedures. During endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made for an endoscope or laparoscope (a tiny video camera connected to a video cord) and surgical tools to be inserted into the body, like the abdomen or pelvic region. By watching a monitor, the surgeon is able to see inside the body to perform the surgery.
Thoracoscopic Surgery
Thoracoscopic surgery is a technique used to diagnose and treat problems in a patient’s chest. Through small incisions, surgeons insert a thoracoscope (a tiny video camera connected to a video cord) and surgical tools into the patient’s chest. By watching a monitor, the surgeon is able to see inside the body to perform the surgery.
What Minimally Invasive Surgery is Right for You?
What type of surgery – traditional, laparoscopic or robotic – depends on a patient’s particular condition, general health and physician recommendation.
“We believe in a personal approach to surgical care,” says Dr. Edrich. “Your physician and surgeon will work with you to determine the best treatment options to fit your unique health care needs.”