Definition
Minimally invasive cancer surgeries use advanced techniques like laparoscopy or robotics to treat cancer with minimal disruption to normal tissues. These surgeries aim to achieve the same oncological outcomes as open surgeries with less physical trauma.
Common Techniques
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Uses a laparoscope and small tools.
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Provides high precision, especially for complex cancers like prostate or head and neck cancers.
- Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): Used for lung cancer to remove tumors with minimal chest incisions.
Applications
- Prostate cancer: Robotic prostatectomy
- Lung cancer: Segmentectomy or lobectomy with VATS
- Kidney cancer: Partial nephrectomy using robotics
- Gynecologic cancers: Laparoscopic hysterectomy
Benefits
- Lower complication rates
- Faster recovery and discharge
- Preservation of organ function in cases like kidney-sparing surgeries
Limitations
- Requires expertise and advanced technology
- Not suitable for very large or widely spread tumors