Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is as the name suggests is surgery performed using smaller incisions than were previously used.  Arthroscopy is one of the first types of minimally invasive surgery (MIS).  Arthroscopy uses a small fiber optic telescope to look in to joints through small incisions.  In the past a torn meniscus was removed through a 3 or 4 centimeter incision removing the whole meniscus.  Now only the torn part is removed or the meniscus repaired through three 5 millimeter incisions.  Similarly, ligament reconstructions required sizable incisions. These operations are now performed without any large incision into the knee.  Repairs for shoulder dislocations that required 10 cm. incisions are now done through 3 very small incisions.  The results for both procedures are equal whether done via minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or by larger incisions.  These operations are routinely performed as out patient procedures because it is minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

In orthopedic surgery the concept of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been extended to joint replacements for hip, knee and shoulders.  The advantage being less pain due to smaller incisions and a shortened hospital stay.  A faster recovery can then be predicted.

Other surgical specialties now perform minimally invasive surgery (MIS)  such as gall bladder removal, bowel resections, removal of the uterus, kidneys and heart surgery.