Minimally Invasive Surgery

Surgery through tiny holes

Minimally invasive surgery is approach to performing complex surgeries through small incisions. Often called "laparoscopic" or "endoscopic" surgery, the surgeon uses a tiny video camera and small tools to perform the surgery. The surgeons insert the tools through a puncture a quarter-inch or half-inch long, eliminating the need for a large incision.

The benefit to the patient is that the surgery may result in:

Less blood loss and pain
Reduced chance of infection
Less prominent scarring
Shorter hospital stay and recovery time

Minimally invasive surgery is widely used at Legacy. Among the specialties that use minimally invasive techniques for some cases:

General surgery — gastroesophogeal, liver, pancreas, colorectal, hernia
Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
Gynecology
Urology
Hepatobilary
Spine
Plastic
Thoracoscopic
Cardiovascular
Pediatric

Robotics-assisted surgery

Many minimally invasive cases use robotics technology. Guided by the surgeon, robotics procedures often allow for greater precision. The robotics tools allow your surgeon to make precise, accurate moves with more agility than the human hand. Legacy Health has been at the forefront of robotics surgical technology for years.

Robotics procedures are available at Legacy Emanuel, Legacy Good Samaritan, Legacy Meridian Park, Legacy Mount Hood, Legacy Salmon Creek, and Legacy Silverton Medical Centers. Every patient is different — talk to your doctor about whether robotics-assisted surgery is the best choice for you.

Learn more about robotics options for these surgeries:

Colorectal and gastrointestinal
Gynecological
Head/neck cancers
Heart
Orthopedics, knee and hip replacement (resurfacing)
Urology and prostatectomies

International recognition

Our specially designed surgical suites feature the latest technology, audiovisual capabilities and computerization. We're proud to be recognized as a leader in these innovative surgical techniques. Among our accomplishments:

Internationally recognized program for laparoscopic gastroesophageal surgery
Internationally recognized program for laparoscopic hepatobilary surgery
Regional center for laparoscopic pediatric surgery
The premier fellowship for advanced laparoscopic surgery
A leading program in robotic surgery

Our MIS Program encompasses all our surgical specialties and is available at all Legacy Health hospitals, including Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.