Minimally invasive surgery

The use of minimally invasive procedures in cancer, including laparoscopy, robotic assisted laparoscopy and video-assisted thorascopy has increased dramatically in the past 15 years.

Surgeons use minimally invasive procedures to diagnose, biopsy (remove and examine a sample of tissue or tumor from the body)

The doctor may then remove or destroy tumors, and help relieve the discomfort and symptoms often associated with cancer.

Minimally invasive surgery results in a shorter hospital stay, a faster recovery, and a faster return to normal activities than traditional surgery. Also, other cancer therapies, like radiation therapy and chemotherapy, can be started sooner after minimally invasive surgery than after traditional surgery

Minimally invasive cancer surgery can be used alone or with other treatments, like radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Minimally invasive cancer surgery isn’t right for all patients. Before surgery, your surgeon will discuss the procedure, including whether to use a minimally invasive or traditional procedure, with the patient in detail.

Many other types of surgical methods for treating cancer and precancerous conditions exist, and investigators are always researching new methods.