Open Surgery vs. Minimally Invasive Surgery

For many years, all surgeries were performed as open procedures. Open surgery involves creating a large incision in the skin, through which tissues and organs are directly exposed to the air of the operating room. Because of the larger incision, the patient’s stay in the hospital will be several days longer than with minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Patients will usually need to heal for several weeks before returning to work and regular physical activities. With a longer wound comes an increased chance of wound complications, as well as a large scar.

With the introduction of MIS, physicians are able to perform many kinds of major surgery with less patient trauma and pain, minimal scarring, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. These are among the number of benefits offered to patients undergoing MIS rather than open surgery. MIS is performed through small incisions, which replace the large incisions needed for conventional open surgeries. The surgeon uses a small video camera and a monitor to view and access the internal organs. With MIS, there is a lower chance of wound complications, as well as very small scars. In addition, some patients are able to return to work and normal physical activities in as little as a week’s time.