Minimally Invasive Surgery

For disorders and diseases from hemorrhoids to colon cancer, our surgeons provide minimally invasive treatment options whenever possible, to get you on your feet faster with less pain. Our expert surgeons are continually breaking new ground in minimally invasive techniques that use the latest technologies.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery offers many benefits for our patients, including:

• Less pain
• Less risk of infection and complications
• Less bleeding
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery
• Less risk of bowel obstructions after surgery
• Quicker return to normal activities

What Happens During Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive, or laparoscopic surgery, can be performed in both the inpatient and outpatient setting:

• The surgeon makes several small incisions, typically less than a half-inch each.
• A special camera called a laparoscope passes through the incisions, providing clear, detailed images to as many as three high-definition monitors in the operating room. The surgical team uses these monitors to "see into" the operating site without having to open up the abdomen.
• Other specialized instruments pass through additional small incisions to complete the procedure.

Single-incision (Single-port) Laparoscopy at UMass Memorial Medical Center

Single-incision laparoscopy, also known as single-port surgery, is a special type of minimally invasive surgery for certain abdominal conditions. It allows the surgeon to complete the entire surgery with one single entry through the belly button.

UMass Memorial Medical Center’s fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeons use this technique as an alternative to more invasive types of abdominal surgery. It is particularly useful in treating colon polyps, colon cancer and certain types of diverticulitis. Instead of three to four incisions typical of other minimally invasive surgeries, just one incision is made in the belly button area or bikini line. 

• All of the small laparoscopic instruments pass through this one incision.
• The surgeon completes the procedure, which may involve removing colon polyps or certain sections of the colon affected by colon cancer or diverticulitis.

Watch a short video about the procedure. 

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery is a special kind of minimally invasive surgery for rectal conditions. In TEM, the surgeon works through instruments inserted into the anus.  Read more.