Minimally Invasive Surgery

The division of general surgery includes a special focus in minimally invasive surgery of the gastrointestinal tract and the abdominal solid organs. Our Center for Advanced Training and Simulation (CATS) is developing and training physicians in innovative strategies for managing a host of surgical problems using minimally invasive techniques.

By assembling experts from all surgical disciplines, UK has created the region's first multidisciplinary MIS center. A growing list of procedures such as hernia surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.

Minimally invasive surgery is any technique involved in surgery that does not require a large incision. This relatively new approach allows the patient to recuperate faster with less pain. Not all conditions are suitable for minimally invasive surgery. The UK Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery features the da Vinci Surgical System. This system’s 3-D imaging and 360 degree instrumentation allow better visibility and improved outcomes over standard minimally invasive surgical techniques. Many surgery techniques now fall under minimally invasive surgery:

Laparoscopy

A minimally invasive procedure in the abdominal cavity that uses a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) to examine organs and check for abnormalities. Laparoscopy is often used during surgery to look inside the body and avoid making large incisions. Tissue samples may also be taken for examination and testing.

Endoscopy

A test that uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope) to examine the inside of the hollow organs of the digestive tract. Tissue samples from inside the digestive tract may also be taken for examination and testing.

Arthroscopy

Surgeons can look at the interior of a joint with the use of an arthroscope. This technique is most often used to inspect and possibly repair the inside of the knee, shoulder, or hip joint.

Bronchoscopy

The examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps to evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, obtain samples of tissue and/or fluid, and/or to help remove a foreign body.

Thoracoscopy

Minimally invasive surgery in the chest cavity. 

Cystoscopy

Inserting a viewing tube up the urethra to examine the urethra and bladder cavity.

Gastroscopy

Evaluation of the stomach with an endoscope, a long viewing tube.

Hysteroscopy

A visual inspection of the cervical canal and uterine cavity with an endoscope.

Laryngoscopy

Inspecting the larynx (voice box) with a mirror or viewing tube.

Sigmoidoscopy

Examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon with a viewing tube.

Programs Using Minimally Invasive Surgery

  • Cardiac surgery
  • General surgery 
  • Hernia surgery 
  • Obstetrics and gynecology 
  • Neurosurgery 
  • Pediatric surgery 
  • Plastic surgery 
  • Thoracic surgery 
  • Transplant surgery 
  • Urology 
  • Vascular surgery
  • Weight loss surgery