Minimally Invasive Surgery
(MIS)
Also known as .
. . laparoscopic surgery, thoracoscopic surgery, reduced injury surgery
What is it?
Minimally invasive surgery uses techniques
of surgical access and exposure that significantly reduce trauma to the body compared to
traditional incisions. Traditional surgical approaches have utilized incisions designed to
provide the maximum exposure of the operative site. Minimally invasive surgical
approaches, on the other hand, utilize small incisions through which cameras and
instruments are passed to accomplish the operation from within a body cavity. The
minimally invasive surgical approach offers several advantages over traditional open
surgery. First of all, the cosmetic result is almost always superior to that achieved with
an open operation. For many operations, post-operative pain is significantly reduced.
Earlier return to eating, faster discharge from the hospital, and a more rapid return to
full activities are additional benefits. Surgeons skilled in minimally invasive surgical
procedures regularly perform them as rapidly as they perform the equivalent open
operations. Furthermore, the reduction in inpatient hospital stays results in an actual
lowering of total hospital costs for many of the procedures performed.
Who is a candidate for minimally
invasive surgery?
Currently at Penn State Children’s
Hospital, any patient requiring an operation in either the chest or abdomen may be a
candidate for a thoracoscopic or laparoscopic minimally invasive procedure. Infants as
small as 2 kilograms (about 4 pounds) have undergone procedures via the minimally invasive
approach. A history of previous surgical procedures need not be a deterrent. Minimally
invasive techniques may not be recommended in certain patients with cardiac or pulmonary
conditions. However, patients with cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease are
routinely operated upon using this approach.
What conditions or diseases can be
treated by minimally invasive surgery?
Many pediatric surgical procedures may be
performed by a minimally invasive approach. A few of the conditions treated or procedures
performed are listed below:
-
Abdominal pain evaluation
-
Adrenalectomy
-
Anorectal malformations
-
Appendectomy
-
Chest wall deformities
-
Cholecystectomy
-
Empyema drainage
-
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
-
Hirschsprung Disease
-
Inflammatory bowel disease
-
Intestinal duplication
-
Intestinal malrotation
-
Intussusception
-
Liver biopsy
-
Lung biopsy
-
Meckel’s diverticulum
-
Pyloric stenosis
-
Solid tumor excision
-
Splenectomy
-
Trauma
-
Undescended testicle
Glossary of Terms
Laparoscope: a small lens placed
into the abdomen, which provides a television picture for the purpose of performing
surgery
Thoracoscope: a small lens placed into the
chest, which provides a television picture for the purpose of performing surgery
Pneumoperitoneum: gas, usually carbon
dioxide, instilled into the abdominal cavity for the purpose of performing laparoscopy
Physicians in the Division of Pediatric
Surgery at Penn State Children’s Hospital treat infants, children, and adolescents
using minimally invasive techniques.
Physician's Who Treat Hernias
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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