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Minimally Invasive Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with a condition requiring surgery, minimally invasive surgery may be an option.

Unlike traditional open surgery, in which the physician makes a long incision to access the anatomy, minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, resulting in faster recovery and less pain for the patient.

Surgeries

Benefits

A more rapid recovery and shorter hospital stay, with a faster return to family, life and work
Smaller incision(s), resulting in less trauma to the body
Less pain
Less blood loss
Less risk of infections
Less scarring

Capabilities

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS™) is a minimally invasive technique in which the surgeon makes one small incision, usually through the belly button, potentially resulting in no visible scarring.

In contast, other minimally invasive surgeries may employ several small incisions to access the anatomy.

Robotic Assisted Surgery

Robotic surgery is surgery that is performed with the assistance of a robotic surgical system. Catholic Health operates with the MAKO Medical Robot (used for partial knee replacements) and the daVinci® Surgical System.

The daVinci® Surgical System has three robotic arms, which are inserted into three small incisions on the body. These arms hold surgical instruments and a camera. Sitting at a computer console, the surgeon guides the movement of the robotic arms and is able to operate with more precision and with better range of motion.

Kenneth Eckhert, III, MD, a general surgeon and chairman of Mercy Hospital’s Robotic Committee, performs a robotic-assisted gallbladder removal surgery using a new FDA-approved single-site advancement to the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System.