Minimally Invasive Procedures

In the past, open surgery was the only option available to surgeons. Today, minimally invasive technology is changing the way doctors approach patient care. Using more advanced technology, surgeons make pencil-sized incisions in the body while video equipment films a magnified view.

Robotic instruments can be used to perform surgeries through small incisions, and patients often experience faster recoveries and less discomfort. 

Minimally invasive surgical procedures offer many options for both the physician and the patient. Compared with traditional surgery, minimally invasive procedures have advantages: 

• Less pain and discomfort
• Minimal scarring
• Greater surgical precision
• Enhanced visualization of surgical site
• Less trauma
• Fewer complications
• Less blood loss and decreased need for transfusions
• Reduced risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recoveries

Minimally invasive procedures

Valley Hospital has minimally invasive surgeries for:

• Abdomen
• Bladder and kidney
• Prostate
• Brain and spine
• Cancer
• Chest and lung
• Colon and rectal
• Ear, nose, throat
• Heart and vascular
• Joints, bones
• Ob/Gyn

Minimally invasive, robotic-assisted lung biopsy

Collecting tissue samples for lung biopsies should be safe and minimally invasive.  A new robotic platform from Intuitive offers an Ion bronchoscopy model that can sense a growth or lung nodule less than one centimeter wide. Robot-assisted Ion technology uses 3D diagnostics and features ultra-flexible tools to safely navigate deeper into the lungs to test for cancer cells. 

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.