Minimal access surgery

Question 1

What is minimal access surgery?

Answer 1

Surgical procedures performed laparoscopically

Question 2

What is involved in minimal access surgery?

Answer 2

Instruments used to grasp/cut tissue inserted via abdominal ports
Details of operation then specific to procedure

Question 3

What are the indications for minimal access surgery?

Answer 3

Sterilisation
Remove adhesions/areas of endometriosis
Any other gynae operation (e.g. ovarian cystectomy, salpingectomy for ectopic p, diathermy/excision of endometriosis, myomectomy, hysterectomy, prolapse surgery)

Question 4

What are the risks associated with minimal access surgery?

Answer 4

Big four
Injury to surrounding structures (bladder, bowel, vessels, ureters)
Scarring
Failed entry
Entry site hernia
Conversion to laparotomy
Blood transfusion
Death
Operation-specific risks

Question 5

What are the advantages of minimal access surgery?

Answer 5

Better visualisation of tissues
Less tissue handling
Less infection
Reduced hospital stay time
Faster postop recovery time (and less pain)