Today’s surgeons have become skilled at performing operations with the least intrusion possible to the body through the use of minimally-invasive surgical methods. Procedures which used to require large incisions measuring several inches that needed dozens of stitches to close are now being performed through incisions less than one inch long that heal without stitches, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Two options
In the past, in order to see inside the patient’s body, the surgeon needed to make a large incision. Today’s surgeons are now using a laparoscopic technique where small incisions are made to accommodate thin plastic tubes to use as ports. A tiny video camera can be guided through the port to allow the doctor a view inside the patient. The camera becomes the doctor’s eyes as it projects images onto a video screen. The doctor can then use other ports to guide thin instruments to specific areas to perform various procedures. There are many other specialized techniques like inflating areas to allow for ease in operating.
Computer-assisted robotic systems are the latest innovation in minimally-invasive surgery. These systems have robotic arms with miniature instruments attached to them that are inserted into the patient through very small incisions. There is also a camera that provides a view of the area where the procedure is being done. The screen image can be magnified to allow the surgeon to see the area where he is operating more clearly than he could with his own eyes. The surgeon operates the robotic arms from a console inside the operating room while watching a screen. The robotic arms provide a high level of precision and match the surgeon’s movements.
Five important benefits
1. Less pain. Since the incision is minimal, less tissue is disturbed allowing for a decrease in post-operative discomfort.
2. Less scarring. The incisions needed for laparoscopic surgery are much smaller and less jagged than with traditional surgery. This means a smaller, neater scar that has less chance of developing healing complications.
3. Less injury to tissue. When a large incision is made in traditional surgery, it is often necessary to cut through muscle tissue along with other body tissue. Muscles take significant time to heal. With laparoscopic techniques, the surgeon often does not need to cut though any muscle. The reduced amount of damage to all tissue allows for better healing outcomes.
4. Shorter hospital stay. With less pain and less tissue injury, the patient is often able to go home more quickly following surgery. The patient is able to return to normal activities in less time also.
5. More accuracy. Cameras used in minimally-invasive surgery provide a better view of the surgical site than doctors have with their own eyes. When doctors can magnify an area clearly, they can be more precise with their tools, which usually results in increased accuracy.
Reality of recovery
Although recovery may be shorter and less painful with minimally-invasive surgery, there still will be time needed to adjust to the changes made to the body whether it is hip replacement or heart surgery. Physical therapy, careful monitoring of medications and other post-operative procedures still need to be in place. For the best outcome, consider spending your recovery at Whitehall of Deerfield where there is a caring staff of experts ready to get you moving and back into life as quickly as possible Whitehall of Deerfield has a reputation of being a premiere short-term care center. With one of the highest staff-to-patient ratios around, Whitehall of Deerfield offers guests superior health care.
Whitehall of Deerfield offers a full range of therapies targeted to meet each guest’s individual needs. A clinical nurse liaison completes an assessment to discover areas that need attention. Then physical, occupational and speech therapists work one-on-one with guests seven days a week. State-of-the-art rehabilitation gyms provide all the equipment needed to reach your highest level of independence and functioning. Special therapy areas including a kitchen give guests an opportunity to practice skills before returning home. Social services and in-house discharge planners monitor progress and help the transition back to your home go smoothly and quickly. This consistent, attentive and compassionate care is provided by everyone from the concierge to the nursing staff.
Whitehall of Deerfield provides these services in a luxurious setting featuring spacious rooms and suites decorated with lavish woodwork, tasteful decor and custom furniture. Guests also enjoy a wide selection of cuisine and a stunning array of world-class amenities that make their stay at Whitehall of Deerfield feel more like a hotel get-away.
To arrange a tour or to learn more, visit whitehallofdeerfield.com or call 847-945-4600.
