Not long ago, having surgery meant an ugly incision, stitches and weeks of recovery time. Today, surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and other major medical centers can perform what is called endoscopic surgery for many procedures. This technology allows doctors to perform major operations with only a few incisions, the size of a keyhole. A tiny video camera is inserted into one incision so doctors can see the patient's organs on a video monitor. Surgical tools are inserted through other incisions.
Doctors cut and cauterize internal tissues while watching their work on the monitor.
After the operation, patients have less pain, and shorter hospital stays and recovery times than with conventional operations. UT Southwestern doctors can also use the high-tech surgery suites for training other doctors. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.