Minimally Invasive Surgery

At Aurora BayCare Medical Center, many of our specialties perform minimally invasive surgery. Surgeons in these areas are recognized for their innovative solutions to medical challenges and for their technical expertise.

There are three levels of invasiveness for surgical procedures:

  • Noninvasive surgery does not break the skin.  For example, removing a pre-cancerous growth with the help of an endoscope allows surgeons to treat conditions without incisions.
  • Open surgery involves cutting skin and tissue so the surgeon has direct access and a direct view of the area requiring surgical attention.
  • Minimally invasive surgery makes smaller incisions than open surgery. Surgeons use tiny instruments and cameras or advanced imaging technology to visualize the treatment area.

Minimally invasive procedures minimize the surgical impact on your body’s tissues and organs. At Aurora BayCare, you have access to a variety of minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment surgical options. 

Endoscopic Surgery

Endoscopic surgery makes use of an endoscope, which is a thin tube with a small camera and light attached. As your surgeon moves the endoscope through a body passageway or opening, he or she can view, photograph, and treat the targeted organs or tissues. Endoscopes are used for diagnosing conditions throughout the body.

Foregut Surgery

Foregut surgery, a surgical procedure taking place in the esophagus, stomach or upper small intestines, is performed to treat conditions such as achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernias, peptic ulcer disease, stomach tumors and other issues that may occur following previous esophageal or gastric procedures.  

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery involves one or more tiny incisions, depending on the nature of the surgery.  These incisions allow your surgeon to insert one or more tubes containing a tiny camera along with surgical tools to view and remove tissue or tumors, or to repair damaged tissue and organs.

Robotic Surgery

Cutting-edge, computer-enhanced technology provides new advances in surgical options. Robotic surgery is minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci® surgical system. 

Depending on the condition being diagnosed or treated, many minimally invasive procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia or sedatives.

For most individuals, these safe and effective minimally invasive procedures carry many health advantages, including:

  • Less bleeding and pain
  • Shorter or no hospital stays
  • Quicker recovery
  • Faster return to your regular activities
  • Fewer, smaller scars

Single Site Robotic Surgery

The da Vinci® Single-Site™ system is the most advanced technology available for robotic surgery.  Procedures are performed through a single incision in the belly button, using state-of-the-art precision instruments .

As a result, patients have almost no visible scarring.  Other common benefits include minimal pain, low blood loss and shorter hospital stays. Single site robotic surgery patients typically spend less than 24 hours in the hospital.

More Minimally Invasive Surgery Options

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition that may require surgery, ask about minimally invasive options and consult with the surgeons at Aurora BayCare. We want you to understand all your surgery options, including the risks and benefits.

As local leaders in minimally invasive surgery, we’re getting our patients up and active faster, and with fewer scars.