Surgery doesn't always mean large cuts (incisions) and long healing times, as in the past. Depending on the type of surgery, several methods may be used. Minimally invasive surgery is available with or without the assistance of a robotic system depending on the nature of the procedure. It uses small incisions or natural openings such as the mouth, nose or rectum as an entrance to perform the procedure. Not all conditions are right for this approach. It also can be used to assess illnesses and injuries, take tissue samples and make repairs.

• Laparoscopy. This procedure uses a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) to look at organs in the belly. It's often used to look inside the body without making large incisions. Tissue samples may also be taken for exam and testing.

• Endoscopy. This test uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope). It's used to look at the inside of the hollow organs of the digestive tract. Tissue samples may also be taken for testing. Endoscopy may be used on the stomach (gastroscopy), the esophagus (esophagoscopy), and the colon (sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy).

• Arthroscopy. This is used to look inside a joint with the use of a scope (arthroscope). It's most often used to inspect and possibly repair the inside of the knee, shoulder, or hip joint.

• Bronchoscopy. This is the exam of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi) using a rigid or flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps assess and diagnose lung problems. It also helps assess blockages, take samples of tissue or fluid, or help remove a foreign body.

• Thoracoscopy. This is minimally invasive surgery in the chest cavity. 

• Cystoscopy. This procedure puts a viewing tube to look at the urethra and bladder cavity.

• Hysteroscopy. This is used to look at the cervical canal and uterine cavity with an endoscope.

• Laryngoscopy. This is used to look at the voice box (larynx) with a mirror or viewing tube.

The benefits of minimally invasive surgery are:

• Fewer, smaller incisions (if an incision is made)
• Significantly smaller scars
• Less internal scarring
• Lower risk of infection
• Less post-operative discomfort since the incisions are much smaller
• Quicker recovery time
• Earlier return to full activities
• Reduced blood loss

Types of surgery available include:

• Bariatric surgery
• General surgery
• Gynecological surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Ophthalmic surgery
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Pediatric ophthalmic surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Urologic surgery