Health News Magazine

Benefits like shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times continue to make minimally invasive surgery a compelling option for many patients. Wellington Regional Medical Center is pleased to now offer a new surgical suite dedicated specifically to these procedures.

The minimally invasive suite is equipped with advanced technology to support a seamless surgical experience, says Srinivas Kaza, MD, FACS, a board-certified general surgeon and the Director of Robotic, Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Wellington. Integration with the hospital’s secure electronic medical record system enables doctors to access X-rays and other patient information during a case, if needed. Surgeons can also talk with other physicians while in the suite, using secure technology. The highly advanced surgical equipment and room setup support optimal efficiency, with a positive impact on safety, visibility and surgical times, Dr. Kaza says.

Minimally invasive surgery is not recommended for all patients, but may be used for weight-loss surgery, urology and gynecology procedures, thoracic surgery, gallbladder procedures and general surgery, including colorectal procedures and hernia repair. It is performed by making incisions that are less than an inch in size, where doctors insert tiny cameras that provide a magnified view of the surgical area. They then use special instruments to perform the surgery through the incisions. Along with faster recoveries, patients may have smaller scars than with conventional surgery.

The advanced technology really sets the new suite apart, Dr. Kaza says. “We’re taking minimally invasive surgery and making it better.”

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.