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Intermediate Technical IVT

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Also written as: MIS — Minimally Invasive Surgery

Surgical techniques using small incisions and specialized instruments to minimize tissue trauma while maintaining oncologic principles.

Full Definition

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in oncology encompasses laparoscopic and robotic techniques that achieve equivalent oncologic outcomes to open surgery while reducing patient morbidity. Key principles include maintaining adequate margins, proper specimen handling, avoiding tumor spillage, and adhering to established oncologic planes of dissection. Common applications include colorectal resections, gastric surgery, and select hepatic resections. Benefits typically include reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery, though patient selection and surgeon experience are critical factors in successful outcomes.

Usage

Usage note: Encompasses both laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Emphasize oncologic equivalency when documenting outcomes.

In Context

  • "The patient underwent minimally invasive surgery for sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma with excellent oncologic margins." — operative summary
  • "Minimally invasive surgery protocols require specific training in oncologic principles and proper specimen extraction techniques." — surgical training manual

Also known as

MIS laparoscopic surgery keyhole surgery

Contrasted with

open surgery conventional surgery

Don't confuse with

robot-assisted surgery endoscopic surgery

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