Minimally Invasive Surgery
Small Incision/Reduced Scarring
We have made great strides in advancing the practice of minimally invasive surgery. With recent improvements in procedures, equipment and techniques, operations can be now performed that require much smaller incisions than standard surgeries. Many of these are performed laparoscopically, with only tiny puncture points involved.
Minimally invasive procedures offer real benefits to patients: there is less discomfort, faster healing, fewer complications, and smaller scars.
Ventral Hernia
These are hernias on the front wall of the abdomen. A hernia is a protrusion of an internal organ, or part of one, through a tear, hole or other defect in the wall of a body cavity. They generally result from tears or separation of muscle fibers, often at the site of a previous incision.
Today, ventral hernias can be repaired laparoscopically. This is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal postoperative discomfort.
Endoscopic Cholestectomy
Cholestectomy refers to the removal of the gall bladder. Today, the former standard of open gall bladder surgery is fairly rare, as laparoscopic or endoscopic cholestectomy has become available. This type of procedure is known as a “keyhole” surgery, in that a large open incision is generally not necessary.
Anti-reflux Surgery
A laparoscopic surgery used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive disorder that causes food and stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is the most recent treatment advancement for GERD when medications are not successful. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that corrects gastroesophageal reflux by creating an improved valve mechanism at the bottom of the esophagus.
2-Stitch Hip Replacement
Traditional hip replacements often require up to a 12-inch incision through muscle and recovery can take weeks. This new procedure only uses two small incisions - about four inches in length - that do minimal damage to muscle. Rehabilitation is faster and easier with this innovative procedure, and people usually are back on their feet in just days.
SilverHawk (Peripheral Atherectomy Device)
The SilverHawkTM Plaque Excision System from FoxHollow Technologies is a revolutionary device for clearing plaque from arteries in the legs and other body extremities. It is used to alleviate impaired circulation in patients suffering from peripheral artery disease, which afflicts an estimated 12 million Americans.
The minimally invasive procedure employing SilverHawk is performed through a small puncture in the leg. The system used a tiny rotating blade to shave away plaque from inside the targeted artery. The plaque collects in the tip of the device and is then removed from the patient.
The SilverHawk procedure can be done under local anesthesia, and is a far less invasive option than standard bypass surgery, which requires general anesthesia and a 2-3 hospitalization.
Peripheral Stenting
A procedure used to treat peripheral artery disease, which is the buildup of fatty deposits and plaque that block the flow of blood through arteries in the lower extremities. The most common symptom is pain in the legs and cramping when walking.
Stenting is a much less-invasive alternative to traditional bypass surgery. A small, metal-mesh tube is inserted via a catheter in the groin area, requiring only a tiny incision. The stent is then guided to the proper place and expanded to hold the blocked artery in an open position to allow proper blood flow and circulation.