During open surgery, a surgeon begins by making large incisions
to view the area to be treated. With laparoscopic surgery, the
incisions are just large enough to allow for insertion of the camera
and laparoscopic surgical instruments.

Today, minimally invasive techniques are being used in numerous
types of surgeries in the treatment of cancer. “We can apply
minimally-invasive techniques to tumors associated with lung,
kidney, prostate, and colon” says Malik McKany, MD and SJMO
surgeon. “Minimally invasive procedures are also used to diagnose
and stage tumors of the female reproductive tract, including
cancer of the uterus, ovary, and cervix. Laparoscopic surgery has
been shown to be just as effective in the treatment of a variety
of cancers as conventional, open surgery – but without all the
disadvantages.”

ADVANTAGES

There are a number of advantages to laparoscopic surgery,
including:

• Smaller incisions
• Less pain
• Shorter recovery time
• Reduced blood loss
• Shorter hospital stay
• Fewer post-operative complications

CAUTIONS

Minimally-invasive surgery is not an appropriate option for all
patients. Those considering the procedure should be evaluated
by their oncologist.

REFERRAL

Please call the SJMO physician referral line at 800.372.6094 to find
an SJMO physician near you.