Minimally invasive surgery -- both laparoscopic and robotically assisted -- is an approach to surgery that enables doctors to operate without having to make large incisions. Doctors are able to accomplish the same goals as they would with traditional open surgery while patients experience less pain and blood loss, with fewer complications and a faster recovery.
With minimally invasive surgery, or MIS, patients typically spend less time in the hospital. Many go home the same day of their surgery. Plus, for many elderly patients or those with chronic medical conditions, this kind of surgery decreases their risk of complications. MIS can also be used as a diagnostic tool to discover the cause of abdominal pain.
At Northwest Hospital, our surgeons perform several procedures using MIS methods, including surgery for:
- Abdominal and pelvic conditions, such as hernias and gall bladder removal
- Gynecologic and urogynecologic conditions relating to the female anatomy or urinary system
- Urologic conditions relating to the urinary system of the male patient
- Orthopedic conditions relating to the muscles and bones, including hand surgery
- Thoracic conditions relating to the lungs and chest
- Vascular conditions relating to the arteries and veins
The Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Northwest Hospital is led by Peter Geis, M.D., one of the founders of laparoscopic surgery in the United States and one of the leading minimally invasive surgeons in the country. He has conducted extensive research and written numerous articles on MIS techniques.
Robotic Surgery
In 2010, Northwest Hospital added a da Vinci Surgical System to its tools for surgeons to use. The da Vinci robot gives surgeons another platform for performing MIS. The da Vinci system will increase the number of physicians who will be able to offer MIS procedures to their patients.
Physician Training
In addition to his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Geis is also the director of the Laparoscopic Fellowship Program, the first of its kind at Northwest Hospital. The program enables residents and experienced surgeons, unfamiliar with laparoscopic techniques, to work side-by-side with Dr. Geis to gain exposure and experience in the field of minimally invasive surgery. Mid-career gynecologists who want to gain training in gynecologic MIS can take advantage of Northwest's STAT Program, led by David Zisow, M.D.
For more information about the Division of Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery at Northwest Hospital, call 410-601-WELL.
Division Head
Physicians
Podcast (Ask the Expert - August 29, 2010)
:
Listen to Dr. Peter Geis talk about new advances in MIS, including mini-port and single-port surgery
Read about us in the news
Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery at Northwest Hospital
Peter Geis, M.D.