Minimially Invasive Surgery and the Bloodless Patient
An interview with Miro Uchal, M.D.
Dr. Uchal is the Director of AGH’s Minimally Invasive Surgical Center. He helps us understand such terms as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, and the role such surgery might play in the treatment of the bloodless patient.
Dr. Uchal specializes in Bariatric, Gall Bladder, Hernia, Pancreas and Colon Surgery. Would you like him to evaluate your case? Click here and complete our simple form.
What advantages does minimally invasive surgery offer?
- Minimal and/or no blood loss
- Many patients leave the hospital in only one to two days or even the same day as surgery
- Least possible damage to organs and surrounding tissue.
- The patient often has less need for pain medication.
- Leaves a smaller surgical scar
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic Surgery is a minimally invasive surgical approach where the surgeon makes several small incisions to access the interior of the abdomen. A long, slender camera attached to a light source and long slender instruments are used to perform the operation through special ports that were inserted into the abdomen. When compared to the large incision of conventional open surgery, there is typically minimal or no blood loss, less pain and scarring following this operation. Usually, hospital stay and overall recovery time are also reduced.
What is robotic surgery?
Thanks to a breakthrough surgical technology, there is a new category of minimally invasive surgery for which you may be a candidate. It is an effective, minimally invasive alternative to both open surgery and laparoscopy. Through the use of the da Vinci® Surgical System, surgeons are now able to offer a minimally invasive option for complex surgical procedures. Major advantages of robotic surgery are precision, miniaturization, smaller incisions, decreased blood loss, less pain, and quicker healing time. Further advantages are articulation beyond normal manipulation and three-dimensional magnification
Get more information at davincisurgery.com
Is every patient a candidate for minimally invasive surgery techniques?
Unfortunately, not every patient is a candidate for this type of procedure therefore you should speak to your physician about your surgical options. Although minimally invasive surgery is less invasive than traditional "open" surgery, no surgery is minor. Surgeons who perform minimally invasive surgery advise patients to remember that these procedures have many benefits, but they also carry the risks of traditional surgery
What might a patient who is unable to accept transfusions need to consider when choosing minimally invasive surgery?
Any abdominal surgery is associated with certain risks such as complications related anesthesia and bleeding or infectious complications. The risk of any operation is determined in part by the nature of the specific operation. An individual’s general heath and other medical conditions are also factors that affect the risk of any operation. You should discuss with your surgeon your individual risk for any operation.
What observations do you have about treating patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses?
Patients who for religious reasons decline to have blood transfusions as part of their care are often treated at Allegheny General Hospital. I am happy to work with our Bloodless Medicine Department to understand and then work in cooperation with these patients. I always bear in mind that I’m treating not a disease or condition, but a person. Allegheny General is a multidisciplinary hospital and with coordination and in a culture of respect we can provide care that honors our patient’s wishes.
