Minimally invasive surgery is approach to
performing complex surgeries through small incisions. Often called "laparoscopic" or "endoscopic" surgery, the surgeon uses a tiny video camera and small tools to perform the surgery. The surgeons insert the tools through a puncture a quarter-inch or half-inch long, eliminating the need for a large incision.
The benefit to the patient is that the surgery may result in:
- Less blood loss and pain
- Reduced chance of infection
- Less prominent scarring
- Shorter hospital stay and recovery time
Minimally invasive surgery is widely used at Legacy. Among the specialties that use minimally invasive techniques for some cases:
- General surgery — gastroesophogeal, liver, pancreas, colorectal, hernia
- Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
- Gynecology
- Urology
- Hepatobilary
- Spine
- Plastic
- Thoracoscopic
- Cardiovascular
- Pediatric
Robotics-assisted surgery
Many minimally invasive cases use robotics technology. Guided by the surgeon, robotics procedures often allow for greater precision. The robotics tools allow your surgeon to make precise, accurate moves with more agility than the human hand. Legacy Health has been at the forefront of robotics surgical technology for years.
Robotics procedures are available at Legacy Emanuel, Legacy Good Samaritan, Legacy Meridian Park, Legacy Mount Hood, Legacy Salmon Creek, and Legacy Silverton Medical Centers. Every patient is different — talk to your doctor about whether robotics-assisted surgery is the best choice for you.
Learn more about robotics options for these surgeries: