What are the types of minimally invasive surgery?

One type of minimally invasive surgery is laparoscopy, which uses a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) to look at internal organs, check for abnormalities, or perform surgical procedures. Another type is endoscopy, which uses a small flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope) to examine the inside of the digestive tract. Another type of minimally invasive surgery is arthroscopy, which uses an endoscope to examine the interior of a joint and make surgical corrections, if necessary. Cystoscopy uses an endoscope to examine the inside of the urethra and bladder cavity to check for abnormalities. Gastroscopy uses an endoscope to examine the lining of the stomach. Sigmoidoscopy uses an endoscope to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon.

No matter how minimally invasive the procedure appears, you will still be expected to follow the doctor’s orders on rehabilitation and physical therapy. You may still need to take the prescribed medications to keep swelling down and halt pain. Be sure to let your doctor guide you as you choose the type of surgery that is best to help you end pain and regain an active life.