Minimally Invasive Surgery

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is a collection of approaches that typically use small incisions — around the width of a dime — for access to the surgery site. 

While procedures like hernia, gallbladder, and other abdominal surgeries use small incisions, some minimally invasive surgeries use the body’s natural openings instead of incisions. 

For example, transanal minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer (TAMIS) uses the body’s anal opening to access rectal polyps and remove them. TAMIS is an effective solution for very large or flat polyps that aren’t removable during colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. 

Whether through an incision or a natural opening, a tiny camera shows your body from within during minimally invasive surgery. For example, Dr. Kim can view the inside of your colon on a nearby monitor and study it in real time as he performs the procedure. 

What are the types of minimally invasive surgery?

There are two main categories of minimally invasive surgery, including: 

Laparoscopic surgery

In laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Kim creates tiny incisions and holds the surgical instruments as he performs the procedure. Laparoscopic surgery tools are unique: They’re thinner and longer than traditional surgical instruments and are specially designed to fit through small incisions. 

Robotic surgery

In robotic surgery, Dr. Kim controls robotic arms holding the surgical instruments. He sits at a console and moves his hands and fingers to direct the instruments. Every move he makes immediately translates to the robotic arms (the robot never moves independently). 

Robotic surgery offers outstanding precision because the robotic arms can rotate 360 degrees and hold instruments at any angle, unlike human hands. 

Dr. Kim is double board-certified in colorectal and robotic surgery, with extensive experience in both minimally invasive surgery approaches.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?

Dr. Kim uses the minimally invasive approach (either laparoscopic or robotic surgery) rather than traditional techniques with longer incisions whenever possible, owing to the following advantages. 

• Less bleeding
• Less pain
• Lowered risk of infection post-surgery
• Faster incision healing after surgery
• Less downtime

Many minimally invasive procedures are outpatient surgeries, in which you can return home that same day. 

Premier General & Colorectal Surgery has earned a stellar reputation due to Dr. Kim’s history of excellent robotic and laparoscopic surgery results, so you can trust your care to him when you need surgery. Book your appointment online or call the office to schedule a consultation today.