In recent years, advancements in surgical technology and procedures have made it safer and easier than ever for patients requiring surgery. Instead of traditional, open surgery, minimally invasive surgery has become the new gold standard for many procedures.
At his private practice in Houston, Texas, board-certified surgeon Kwan (Kevin) Jun Park, MD, uses minimally invasive surgery with smaller incisions so your body undergoes less trauma and heals faster.
Keep reading to learn more about minimally invasive surgery and which conditions Dr. Park can treat using these techniques.
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is any type of surgery that uses smaller incisions and special tools, like very small instruments, robotic-assisted technologies, and a tiny camera. With MIS, you generally require fewer sutures and enjoy a faster recovery time with less pain.
While each procedure varies, Dr. Park typically makes one or more small incisions. This differs from traditional surgery where the surgeon must cut extensively through your skin, muscles, nerves, and other tissues.
Dr. Park then performs your surgery through these small incisions, using narrow tubes, instruments, and cameras, which send back images to a monitor.
Because of the small spaces, the procedure may take longer. But recovery is much faster and less painful since you don’t have as much tissue to heal.
With MIS, you also enjoy fewer risks, less scarring and postoperative bleeding, a shorter hospital stay, and an ability to return to work and other activities sooner with fewer postoperative restrictions.
For procedures that we can address with MIS, most people who qualify for surgery also qualify for MIS. In fact, MIS has advantages for certain patients, such as those:
But in some cases, minimally invasive surgery may not be as effective or safe as traditional surgery. If this is the case, Dr. Park talks to you about the risks and benefits of each so you can make an informed decision. Some conditions may only be treated with open surgery.
Dr. Park can use minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat many different conditions. Some of the most common ones include:
Keep in mind that this is only a partial list. The best way to learn if MIS can treat your condition is by meeting with a surgeon who specializes in these techniques.
Occasionally, Dr. Park may plan a minimally invasive procedure, but then find it necessary to switch to an open surgery so he can see the operative area better.
Learn more about minimally invasive surgery and whether it can treat your injury or condition by scheduling an appointment at our Houston, Texas, office.
