minimally invasive surgery

minimally invasive surgery A type of surgery that is done through small incisions through which instruments and imaging devices are passed; sometimes called laparoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is performed in many different surgical specialties. For patients, minimally invasive surgery has the advantages of a lower rate of blood loss and other complications, smaller surgical scars, and a reduced need for pain medication. Patients can usually leave the hospital and resume normal activity sooner after minimally invasive surgery than with conventional open surgery.