Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
keyhole surgery, laparoscopic surgery, endoscopic surgery, band-aid surgery
Definition
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) refers to a variety of surgical techniques that are performed with less damage to the body compared to traditional open surgery. This approach typically involves making one or more small incisions, through which surgeons insert small tubes, tiny cameras (laparoscopes or endoscopes), and specialized surgical instruments to perform the procedure.¹ The primary purpose of MIS is to reduce patient trauma, leading to benefits such as less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and faster recovery times.¹ Laparoscopy, one of the earliest forms of MIS, allows surgeons to view the surgical field on a monitor, while robotic surgery, another advanced form of MIS, provides an enlarged, 3D view of the surgical site and enhances the surgeon’s precision and control.¹
Clinical Context
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is employed across a wide range of medical specialties to treat various conditions, offering an alternative to traditional open surgery. It is clinically indicated when the benefits of reduced trauma, shorter recovery, and fewer complications outweigh the potential risks or limitations of the approach for a specific patient and condition.¹ MIS is commonly used for procedures such as cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), appendectomy, colectomy, hernia repair, and various gynecological and urological surgeries.² It is also increasingly utilized in more complex surgeries, including cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, neurosurgery, and cancer surgery for tumor removal or staging.¹
Patient selection for MIS is crucial and depends on several factors, including the specific diagnosis, the location and extent of the disease, the patient’s overall health and comorbidities, and the surgeon’s expertise with MIS techniques.¹ Generally, patients who are good candidates for open surgery may also be candidates for MIS, but certain conditions like severe adhesions from previous surgeries, extensive cancer, or hemodynamic instability might make MIS less suitable or require conversion to an open procedure.²
The surgical procedures in MIS involve creating small incisions (ports) through which a camera (laparoscope or endoscope) and specialized instruments are inserted. The surgeon views the operative field on a monitor, manipulating the instruments to perform the dissection, resection, or repair.³ Carbon dioxide gas is often used to insufflate the abdominal or thoracic cavity, creating space for visualization and instrument movement.³ Robotic-assisted MIS utilizes a console where the surgeon controls robotic arms equipped with instruments, offering enhanced dexterity, precision, and 3D visualization.¹
Expected outcomes for MIS generally include reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays (often by several days compared to open surgery), faster return to normal activities, smaller and less noticeable scars, and a lower risk of certain complications like surgical site infections and incisional hernias.¹˒² While the long-term efficacy of MIS is often comparable to open surgery for many conditions, the specific outcomes can vary depending on the procedure, the patient’s condition, and the surgical team’s experience.³ Patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks of MIS with their surgeon to determine if it is the most appropriate treatment option for their specific situation.¹