Minimally Invasive Surgery: An Evidence-Based Approach

A minimally invasive surgery is a type of surgical procedure that involves small incisions and reduced time for healing of the wound, which in turn reduces the recovery time for the patient. It causes less operative trauma, complications and adverse effects than an equivalent open surgery. There are several types of minimally invasive surgeries including arthroscopic surgery, bronchoscopy, endoscopy, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), parathyroidectomy, robotic surgery, sigmoidoscopy, etc. Laparoscopy was one of the first types of minimally invasive surgery done by making one or more small incisions, and using small tubes with light and camera. This procedure helps to examine organs, check abnormalities, and take tissue samples. In bronchoscopy, a flexible tube with a light and camera known as bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth to look inside the lung airways. It is used to evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, obtain samples of tissue or fluid, and help in removing a foreign body. This book outlines the processes and applications of minimally invasive surgery in detail. It is an essential guide for medical students and practitioners associated with surgery.