Minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery are procedures offered in addition to traditional open surgery. This specialized surgical treatment uses fewer and smaller incisions to perform procedures. Minimally invasive procedures fall into three categories, including endoscopic, laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries.

Endoscopic surgery

Surgeons complete endoscopic surgery by inserting an instrument through a needle or a body opening such as the mouth, anus or vagina. This allows physicians to view the surgical area through magnified imaging and perform surgery using miniaturized instruments. The technique is used in procedures such as hysterectomies and colon polyp removals.

Laparoscopic surgery

Our skilled surgeons perform this technique by making small incisions in the abdomen usually near the belly button. After making incisions, our doctors insert a laparoscope or tube that includes miniature high-definition cameras and tools to complete surgery.

Robot-assisted surgery is the most advanced surgery we perform. The procedure allows highly trained surgeons to perform a variety of surgeries with a high degree of precision and effectiveness. However, it’s essential to understand that a robotic surgical system never makes an incision — or even a movement — on its own. Instead, your surgeon has extensive training and experience using robotic surgical equipment and he or she is fully in control of the robot at all times.

At HCA Virginia Health System, our surgeons perform the most robotic-assisted procedures of any health system in the Commonwealth. Our doctors work with you to prepare, operate and provide post-operative care for your procedure.

Understanding robotic surgery

Put simply, robotic technology helps your surgeon operate robotic equipment, which translates the surgeon's hand movements into precise micro-movements. The technique enables your surgeon to operate in small or hard-to-reach areas.

Your surgeon will make tiny incisions, smaller than those of traditional surgery, to introduce tiny instruments and a high-definition 3D camera that magnifies the view of the surgical area. Our hospitals use robotic systems for procedures across many medical specialties, including:

• Bariatric (weight loss) surgery
• Gastrointestinal surgery
• General surgery
• Gynecologic surgery
• Head and neck surgery
• Joint replacement surgery
• Lung and thoracic surgery
• Spine surgery
• Urologic surgery

No matter which procedure your surgeon performs, smaller incisions translate to numerous benefits for you, such as:

• A shorter hospital stay after surgery
• Faster recovery and return to normal life
• Less time on the operating table
• Minimal scarring and blood loss
• Reduced pain and less need for postoperative pain medicine