Minimally Invasive Surgery
Riverview Regional Medical Center’s surgeons are recognized for their
expertise in minimally invasive procedures. By using miniature cameras
with microscopes, tiny fiber-optic flashlights and high-definition monitors,
surgeons can perform surgery through small incisions that take only a
few stitches to close. Smaller incisions result in less blood loss, less
pain and a quicker recovery.
Minimally invasive procedures – including laparoscopic and computer-assisted or
robotic surgeries – offer important advantages over traditional open surgeries. At
Riverview, our surgeons perform more minimally invasive procedures than
any other hospital in the region. These pioneering techniques use tiny
incisions and miniature robotic instruments for everything from gall bladder
removal to hysterectomies, allowing many patients to leave surgery with
only Band-Aids for dressings.
We continually invest in the latest tools, technologies and training and
to date, are the only hospital in Gadsden equipped with the world’s
most revolutionary surgical technology, the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical
System and MAKOplasty® partial knee resurfacing.
Most important to patients, our surgeons and clinical staff are among the
most experienced in the state at performing minimally invasive surgeries.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Many conditions can be treated through a minimally invasive approach. Minimally
invasive surgical options generally include laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
The advantages of minimally invasive procedures include:
- Faster recovery times
- Minimal scarring
- Reduced blood loss and infection rates
- Less postoperative pain and need for pain medications
- Faster return to normal daily activities
Types of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Our surgeons offer the following types of minimally invasive surgery tailored
to fit our patients' needs:
- Laparoscopic Surgery
- Single Site/Scarless Surgery
Patients having laparoscopic surgery will have a small incision inside
or near the belly button, and may have other small incisions beneath the
belly button. These small incisions allow the passage of a camera and
special instruments into the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to carry out
the surgery.
Laparoscopy can be used to perform:
- Evaluations for pain
- Treat specific conditions
- Remove internal organs, tumors and cysts
Our skilled physicians tailor the treatment plan and surgical approach
to each individual patient. Together, you and your physician will decide
which approach is best for you and your condition.
Computer-assisted or Robotic Surgery
Robotic or computer-assisted surgery is a specialized form of minimally
invasive surgery. The robotic system used at Riverview Regional Medical
Center is called the da Vinci Surgical System, which consists of two mechanical
arms, a camera, a 3-D image processing system and a remote control unit.
The da Vinci Surgical System does not place a robot or computer in control
of a patient’s surgery. To the contrary, our highly skilled surgeons
control every aspect of robotic surgery at all times.
Using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, our trained surgeons now perform
many complex operations that were impossible without open surgery just
a few years ago. Similar to other minimally invasive procedures, robotic-assisted
surgery is performed through a few tiny incisions. The da Vinci offers
surgeons higher magnification, better flexibility and more precision than
traditional laparoscopic surgery.
There are many benefits of laparoscopic and other minimally invasive surgeries
to surgical procedures that were once performed only with open surgery.
Your doctor will determine whether minimally invasive surgery is right for you.