Overview

A keyhole surgery, as the name implies, is surgery done through very small incisions. It is known by different names according to the part of the body operated on. 

  • Arthroscopy for joint conditions

  • Laparoscopy for abdomen and pelvic conditions

  • Thoracoscopy for the lungs and surrounding area

  • Pleuroscopy specifically for the pleural cavity

Arthroscopy: The Procedure in Brief

  • A few small incisions (around ¼ inch in size) are made to access the joint.

•  The surgeon inserts a rod with a camera and lens attached to it into the incision.

•  The surgeon sees the camera output in a magnified form on a screen.

•   Diagnosis and treatment are both possible with this procedure.

•   In case of treatment, through the same incisions, the surgeon can also insert instruments to rectify the condition.

Advantages of Keyhole Surgery:

Surgeons consider keyhole surgery as a viable alternative to the traditional open surgery for the following main reasons:

•   Small Incisions: This automatically translates to a significant reduction in blood loss. With larger incisions like the ones used in traditional surgery, not only will loss of more blood be inevitable it will also lead to the patient experiencing more pain post-surgery.

•   Minimized Soft Tissue Damage: This is another advantage of smaller-sized incisions. The tissue surrounding the cut is damaged as little as possible. The small-sized instruments used also contribute to the reduction in tissue damage.

•   Lower Chances of Complications Post-Surgery: Any surgical procedure brings with it the risk of complications, but this risk is reduced with keyhole surgery. The possibility of cellulitis (a bacterial infection that affects the skin and the layers beneath it) is reduced.

•   Quick Recovery: Small incisions heal faster. Post-surgery, daily activities can be resumed in two days.

•   Reduction in Pain: Compared to open surgery, pain after arthroscopy is significantly lesser. This is not to say that there will be no pain altogether. But reports suggest that arthroscopy pain is lesser and more manageable than open surgery.

•   Reduced Hospital Stay: Usually performed as an outpatient procedure, the patient will have no need for hospitalization. In some cases, however, one day’s stay at the hospital might be necessary.

•  Cosmetically More Appealing: Small cuts mean the scarring is minimized. Therefore, the appearance of the surgical site is much improved.

Are You a Candidate for Keyhole Surgery?

While arthroscopy is recommended for sportspersons who have sustained injuries while playing, this does not mean that others cannot undergo the procedure. Arthroscopy can be performed on young and old adults. Your doctor will take into account your unique condition and then decide which surgical procedure will benefit you the most.

If you are suffering from any kind of joint issue, do not delay treatment. A simple online search with the terms “orthopedic surgeon near me” will point you in the right direction. Remember, early treatment is crucial for quick and successful recovery. 

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