Surgeons
continually seek ways to make joint replacements and repairs easier, safer and
less arduous for the patient. A number of new techniques are currently under
development.
Surgeons at
Cygnus Bensups Hospital have started performing knee replacement surgery
through very small incisions, a procedure called minimally invasive joint
replacement. However, not everyone is a candidate, including individuals who
are obese.
“Less invasive
surgery” is terminology that encompasses both small incision techniques and
minimally invasive techniques. Small incision hip and knee replacement surgery
entails performing the conventional approach through a smaller skin incision.
Minimally invasive hip and knee replacement surgery uses not only a smaller
incision (or incisions) but also new exposure techniques. This is said to be
less invasive to soft tissues and or bone.
Patient
selection for less invasive surgery is evolving, but some surgeons define the
ideal patient as not too old, thin, healthy and motivated. Obese patients are
usually not fit for minimal invasive surgery.
Less invasive
hip and knee replacement surgery is of great interest to both patients and
their surgeons. Much of this interest is based on the promise of better
long-term results, with a shorter and less painful recovery.
The reported
advantages of less invasive surgery occur in the first few weeks or months
after surgery. These include:
·
Smaller incision length (improved cosmesis)
·
Less discomfort (immediate peri-operative pain)
·
Less blood loss (fewer blood transfusions)
·
Shorter hospitalization
·
Shorter rehabilitation
·
Earlier return to work
The reported
disadvantages of less invasive surgery relate to the difficulty of performing
surgery within a restricted visual field as well as issues related to learning
a new exposure technique. However, with increased number of experience and
skill, our team of doctors have gained expertise to perform safe surgeries.
