Minimally Invasive Surgery

At UMass Memorial Health, we perform a wide range of surgeries using minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. Our specialized expertise means less pain and a quicker recovery for you. 

What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is an alternative to traditional, open surgery. Surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and rely on cameras and specialized instruments to see and operate internally.

You have a better surgical experience when we perform minimally invasive surgery, and we achieve superior outcomes. The types of minimally invasive surgery we offer include:

Laparoscopic Surgery

The surgeon makes several half-inch incisions and inserts a small camera through one of them. The camera provides detailed images and lets the surgeon see inside your body. The surgeon then inserts specialized instruments into the remaining incisions to complete the procedure.

At UMass Memorial, we also offer advanced laparoscopic surgeries, including single-incision or single-port surgery. During single-incision surgery, we complete the entire surgery through one small incision.

Robotic Surgery

We also perform robotic-assisted surgery through several small incisions. The surgeon sits at a computer station to control a robotic arm and the small surgical instruments attached to it. A camera provides detailed video of the operating site to guide the surgeon throughout the procedure. The robot makes it easier for the surgeon to make small, precise movements without a large incision. 

Our surgeons have the expertise and experience to use robotic surgery for many types of surgery, including:

• Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

• Prostatectomy (prostate gland removal)

• Urogynecologic procedures

Nationally Recognized for Surgical Care

UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as High-Performing for cancer surgery to treat colon, lung and prostate cancer. Our ability to prevent prolonged hospital stays following colon and lung cancer surgeries is higher than the national average. 

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive techniques provide many benefits compared to open surgery, including:

• Decreased risk of infection and complications
• Less bleeding
• Reduced pain
• Shorter hospital stays
• Smaller scars
• Quicker recovery 

Wide-Ranging Surgical Services

Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to provide you with a more comfortable experience. We perform minimally invasive procedures in both the inpatient or outpatient setting and for most types of surgery, including:

• Bariatric (weight loss) surgery

• Cardiovascular surgery

• Colorectal surgery

• General surgery

• Neurosurgery

• Reconstructive surgery

• Thoracic surgery

• Urologic surgery