In minimally invasive surgery, we use a variety of techniques to operate with less damage to the body than with open surgery. In general, minimally invasive surgery is associated with less pain, a shorter hospital stay and fewer complications.

Laparoscopy — surgery done through one or more small incisions, using small tubes and tiny cameras and surgical instruments — was one of the first types of minimally invasive surgery. Another type of minimally invasive surgery is robotic surgery. It provides a magnified, 3D view of the surgical site and helps the surgeon operate with precision, flexibility and control.

Continual innovations in minimally invasive surgery make it beneficial for people with a wide range of conditions. If you need surgery and think you may be a candidate for this approach, talk with your doctor.

Types of minimally invasive surgery

Surgeons perform many minimally invasive surgeries on specific parts of the body, including:

Adrenalectomy to remove one or both adrenal glands

Brain surgery

Colectomy to remove parts of a diseased colon

Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) to relieve pain caused by gallstones

Heart surgery

Hiatal hernia repair, sometimes called anti-reflux surgery, to relieve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Kidney transplant

Nephrectomy (kidney removal)

Spine surgery

Splenectomy to remove the spleen

Minimally invasive surgery can also be used for more general surgeries, including the following:

Cancer surgery, for example, to destroy a tumor

Colon and rectal surgery

Endovascular surgery to treat or repair an aneurysm

Gastroenterologic surgery, including for gastric bypass

Gynecologic surgery

Neurosurgery

Orthopedic surgery

Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat surgery) head and neck surgery

Thoracic surgery, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)

Urologic surgery

Robotic heart surgery