Are you eager to learn about modern treatment options for yourself or a loved one recently diagnosed with cancer? Cancer treatment is most often at the center of having surgery but advances in technology are changing the course of how the surgery is done. Today, minimally invasive cancer surgery is gaining popularity day by day as the first-line treatment in majority of cases with quicker recovery, less pain, and better outcome for the patients.
By understanding of all the different types of minimally invasive cancer treatments and balancing the obvious advantages of cancer treatment with minimal invasive surgery, patients and families can make an improved decision. Minimally invasive cancer surgery versus traditional cancer surgery, it is apparent that where applicable, and the latter possesses great overall health benefits.
At Supra Hospital, our oncology and surgical teams are at the forefront of innovation. In this blog, we’ll explain how cancer treatment with minimally invasive surgery is making a difference, what types of procedures are available, and how this approach compares to traditional surgery.
Minimally invasive cancer surgery is employed to refer to cancer surgery that employs small incisions, advanced instruments, and precise tools such as laparoscopes or robotic systems to remove cancer and kill cancerous tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
As opposed to the previous open surgery by large incisions, minimally invasive surgery tries to cause as little trauma to the body as possible. These yields:
• Fewer scars
• Less post operational pain
• Short hospital stays
• Quick return to regular activity
Based on the nature and severity of cancer, various surgical operations can be employed. The most common forms of minimally invasive cancer surgery are as follows:
• Laparoscopic Surgery: employs small equipment and a scope passed through small incisions. It is commonly employed for gastrointestinal cancer, gynecologic cancer, and bladder cancer.
• Robotic-Assisted Surgery: The surgeon precisely controls robotic arms. Used for delicate surgeries like prostate, kidney, and gynecologic cancer surgery.
• Thoracoscopic Surgery: Small surgery to remove lung and chest cancers using a scope and camera inserted from within the chest cavity.
• Endoscopic Surgery: Traditionally done for digestive tract tumor cancers at an early stage, i.e., esophagus, stomach, or colon.
Advantages of Cancer Surgery through Minimally Invasive Surgery
The benefits are evident and established:
• Less Risk of Infection: Smaller injuries expose less and have less chance of infection.
• Less Bleeding: Precise instruments lead to precise injuries, minimizing bleeding.
• Quick Recovery: Patients are discharged early and resume normal activity sooner.
• Lower Total Healthcare Cost: Reduced in-hospital stay and faster recovery reduces the cost.
You may wonder: how effective is minimally invasive versus traditional cancer surgery? In most cases, they are equally effective in removing cancer. Patient condition, location, and overall health tend to decide choice.
Here's a quick comparison:
• Incision Size: Minimally invasive surgery employs small keyhole incisions, while traditional surgery employs big open wounds.
• Pain and Recovery Time: Minimally invasive surgery will most often lead to less pain and less recovery time than traditional surgery, which will more often lead to pain and more recovery time.
• Hospital Stay: Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery have less hospital stay compared to patients undergoing conventional surgery.
• Visibility and Precision: Minimally invasive surgery offers better visibility and precision with the aid of cameras and robotic assistance, while traditional surgery relies on human access, which in certain cases may be limited in location.
We hope we have illuminated you to the extent to which minimally invasive surgery is transforming the face of cancer treatment. Due to improved technology and surgical skill, minimally invasive cancer surgery is offering patients safer options with faster recovery and fewer opportunities for complications.
We at Supra Hospital believe in providing visionary cancer care with precision and compassion. Schedule an appointment with our surgical oncology team today and learn whether minimally invasive cancer treatment is the solution for you.