Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery refers to any surgical technique that does not require a large incision. This type of surgery allows the child to recuperate faster and with less pain. Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) or “belly-button” surgery is the latest minimally invasive pediatric surgery offered by the experts at the Tidwell Procedure Center at CHOC Hospital in Orange. In general, laparoscopic surgery is a procedure that uses a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) to examine organs, check for abnormalities or perform minimally invasive surgeries. Large incisions are avoided through laparoscopic surgery. Due to the belly-button being the point of incision and entry, the SILS technique is performed for select conditions only. The most common procedure at CHOC is for cholecystomy or gallbladder removal.
The SILS surgery is also referred to as laparoscopic endoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery. Benefits of SILS:
- Small incision
- Lower pain
- Minimal blood loss
- Shorter recovery time
- Hidden scarring
For more on minimally invasive surgery at CHOC, please call 888-770-CHOC.