Lovely friends, I will introduce a cutting-edge surgery technique-minimally invasive surgery to you from today. Let us learn about it and try to help more patients those who need surgeries in happy islands.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is a type of surgery that uses smaller incisions and less damage to the body than open surgery.It is usually applied micro instruments and vision auxiliary equipment, like endoscopy, to perform surgery. It may have benefits such as less pain, shorter hospital stay and fewer complications
Minimally invasive surgery emerged in the 1980s as a safe and effective technique to meet the surgical needs of many people. In the last 20 years, many surgeons have come to prefer it to traditional (open) surgery, which requires larger incisions and, usually, a longer hospital stay.
How many types of minimally invasive surgery are?
Surgeons perform many types of minimally invasive surgery. Common minimally invasive surgeries include urological surgeries like transurethral ureteroscopy lithotripsy, TURP, as well as laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, endoscopy, thoracoscopy, arthroscopy and robotic surgery etc.
Minimally invasive surgery is a new technique used in surgical procedures to allow surgeons limit the size and number of cuts, or incisions, that they need to make. In minimally invasive surgery, surgeon uses small tools, cameras, and lights that fit through several tiny cuts in skin. This allows surgeon to perform surgery without opening a lot of skin and muscle. Thus, Patients usually recover more quickly, spend less time in the hospital, and feel more comfortable than open surgery. The precision and accuracy of minimally invasive surgery have steadily improved over time, further enhancing its appeal.
Minimally Invasive Surgery in Solomon Islands
Minimally invasive surgery has made significant inroads into medical facilities across the Solomon Islands, including general surgery wards, orthopedics, endoscopy centers, and gynecology departments at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Since March 2023, a collaborative effort between medical professionals from the Solomon Islands and China has resulted in the successful performance of various minimally invasive urological surgeries. Procedures such as transurethral ureteroscopy lithotripsy, laparoscopic renal cystectomy, and laparoscopic ureterolithotomy have been carried out for the first time in the Solomon Islands with the assistance of the China Medical Team in Solomon Islands.
In a recent medical visit by the Chinese Naval hospital ship “Ark Peace” to the Solomon Islands, Chinese gynecological expert Dr. Xu Ming-Juan and Dr. Leeanne, a consultant from the gynecological ward, performed a groundbreaking single-port laparoscopic surgery to treat fibroids. Additionally, a minimally invasive urological surgery was successfully conducted for a young patient on the ship, led by Dr. Melly from NRH, Dr. Dong Hao from “Ark Peace,” and me.
These cases serve as compelling evidence of the remarkable advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Patients benefit from accelerated recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and minimized pain and bleeding. The China Medical Team remains committed to collaborating closely with local doctors to further advance the development of minimally invasive approaches in the Solomon Islands.
（Translated by HUANG BAILIN, International Office, Guizhou Medical University）
