Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery uses high–tech surgical instruments and cameras linked to high definition televisions that allow surgeons to perform major operations through small incisions. This compares favorably to traditional techniques, which require large incisions through muscles and other tissue to approach surgical sites. It also allows the adult or child to recuperate faster and with less pain.

These innovative techniques are about a decade old and offer many benefits, such as smaller scars, less tissue trauma, less pain and a more rapid recovery. Not all conditions are treatable with minimally invasive surgery. Yale surgeons are continually looking for ways to make even the most minimally invasive procedure even less invasive.

Some minimally invasive surgical techniques include the following:

laparoscopy - a procedure that uses a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) to examine organs, check for abnormalities, or perform minimally invasive surgeries. Laparoscopy is a surgery that avoids making large incisions. Tissue samples may also be taken for examination and testing.

endoscopy - a procedure that uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope) to examine the inside of the digestive tract. Tissue samples from inside the digestive tract may also be taken for examination and testing.

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 help remove a foreign body.

cystoscopy - examining the inside of the urethra and bladder cavity with a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope).

gastroscopy - examining the lining of the stomach with a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope).

laryngoscopy - inspecting the larynx (voice box) with a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope).

parathyroidectomy - Yale Surgeons are leaders in the field of Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy, a technique that removes abnormal paththyroid gland(s) under local anethesia often on an outpatient basis.

sigmoidoscopy - examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon with a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope).