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General and Thoracic Surgery

Minimally Invasive Techniques Defined

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  • Arthroscopy — with the use of an endoscope, surgeons can look at the interior of a joint. This technique is most often used to inspect and surgically correct the inside of the knee joint.
  • Bronchoscopy — the examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps to evaluate and diagnose lung disease, diagnose blockages, obtain samples of tissue or fluid, and help remove foreign bodies.
  • Colonoscopy — the examination of the entire colon with a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope).
  • Cystoscopy — the examination of the inside of the urethra and bladder cavity with a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope).
  • Endoscopy — a procedure in which a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope) are inserted into the digestive tract to examine these organs of the digestive tract (stomach, small intestine, and colon).
  • Gastroscopy — the examination of the lining of the stomach with a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope).
  • Laparoscopy — a procedure whereby a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdominal cavity to examine organs; check for abnormalities or perform operations using a minimally invasive approach.
  • Laryngoscopy — the inspection of the larynx (voice box) with a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope).
  • Robotic Surgery — the performance of minimally invasive operations with the assistance of 3D high-definition camera and precise instruments which are remotely controlled by the surgeon.
  • Sigmoidoscopy — the examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon with a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope).
  • Thoracoscopy — a procedure in which a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (thoracoscope) is inserted into the chest cavity to examine or perform operations on the heart, lungs, esophagus or other organs in the chest.