Few of us spend much time thinking about surgical techniques until we learn we need surgery. In the past, that meant going through an “open” procedure with a large incision and a long, painful recovery. However, medical and technological advancements have made it possible for more and more surgeries to get done using far less invasive techniques.
At Orthopaedic Care Specialists in North Palm Beach, Florida, Thomas F. Saylor, MD, stays on top of the latest medical advancements in technology and techniques. This expertise allows him to offer minimally invasive surgery for a wide range of hand and upper extremity treatments, such as:
Dr. Saylor relies on minimally invasive approaches whenever possible because of these six benefits.
A minimally invasive procedure enables Dr. Saylor to perform the same work as a traditional or open procedure, but with smaller and fewer incisions. So, instead of making one large cut to see and access the surgical site, he uses special tools and a miniature camera to perform your procedure.
Smaller incisions mean less trauma to the treatment site. And less trauma means less blood loss. That means you have a far safer surgery when compared to traditional procedures, where your surgeon has to cut through a lot of skin and muscle to access the site.
It may seem unlikely to get an infection in a sterile environment, such as an operating room. However, surgical site infections are a common problem. But, that’s not the case with minimally invasive procedures. Instead, smaller incisions once again offer advantages by limiting the openings on the skin where bacteria can enter the body.
Scars form where your body tries to heal and replace lost or damaged tissue. Scars can appear flat, sunken, lumpy, or discolored. They can also be painful, itchy, or affect your appearance. You could still have a scar after having minimally invasive surgery, but it will be smaller and far less noticeable. That’s because most of these incisions only need one or two stitches to close.
Most people undergoing a minimally invasive procedure get to go home the same day or within 23 hours. While you may not feel 100% when you leave, at least you’ll be able to safely recover in the comfort of your own home.
Not only do minimally invasive surgeries have shorter hospital stays, but they also have faster recovery times. Many traditional surgeries can take 6-8 weeks of recovery time because of the trauma caused to the body. But, minimally invasive procedures can have you on the road to recovery much faster, sometimes even in a matter of weeks. Plus, you’ll experience far less pain while you heal.
Are you ready to see if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive surgery? Learn more by booking an appointment online or over the phone with Orthopaedic Care Specialists today.
