Roper St. Francis

Minimally invasive surgery

Roper St. Francis Healthcare surgeons offer minimally invasive and robotic-assisted options to treat a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring a smoother and faster recovery.

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The least invasive path is always our first step

You can count on our team to recommend the least invasive treatment option that's appropriate for your condition. When surgery is the best choice, we'll consider using specialized equipment and advanced techniques designed to enhance surgical precision while minimizing the impact on your body.

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery

Patients often experience:

  • Faster return to normal activities
  • Less pain and blood loss
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Smaller incisions and less scarring

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Procedures we perform

Our surgeons perform many minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures across a wide range of specialties, including:

  • Bariatric and metabolic procedures like gastric bypass surgery that help patients meet their weight goals
  • Colon and intestinal surgery to treat conditions like colorectal cancer and Crohn’s disease
  • Gallbladder removal, which our expert surgeons do regularly 
  • Gynecologic procedures, including some hysterectomies 
  • Hernia repair for different types of hernias 
  • Orthopedic joint and spine surgery, including treatments for back pain 
  • Thoracic surgery, including lung cancer treatment

surgery-operating-room

Minimally invasive vs. robotic surgery

Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, specialized instruments and advanced imaging to treat medical conditions with less disruption to the body than traditional open surgery. 

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery. In this approach, the surgeon controls robotic arms from a console, enabling greater precision, flexibility, and visualization.  
 
While all robotic surgeries are minimally invasive, not all minimally invasive surgeries use robotic technology.

What happens next — and how we’ll support you

Man on fishing boat
Your surgeon will meet with you for a consultation and arrange any diagnostic testing you may need, such as a CT scan, PET scan or pulmonary function tests. During this appointment, your care team will make sure you have everything you need to feel prepared for your procedure, including:
  • Reviewing your medical history
  • Providing clear instructions about pre-surgery fasting
  • Reminding you to bring your medications and emergency contact information on the day of surgery
  • Explaining your anesthesia plan and what to expect
  • Educating you about the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program to support a faster recovery and discharge
Your care team will explain every step of the process and answer all of your questions so you can feel confident and prepared for your procedure.
Surgery in progress

As your surgery begins, your care team will explain the anesthesia they will use and how they will monitor you throughout the procedure. Your team typically includes a surgeon, an anesthesiologist and a nurse specialist, all working together to keep you safe and comfortable.

man recovering after surgery
Depending on your procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital, or you may be able to go home the same day. Your care team will let you know what to expect. Before you leave, we'll make sure you have detailed instructions for your recovery at home and answer any questions you may have. 

We will also:
  • Explain supportive services, such as rehabilitation or physical therapy, if you need them
  • Make sure you know how to manage your pain
  • Schedule any necessary follow-up appointments
No matter what type of surgery you have, we'll be there to support you every step of the way.

Your minimally invasive surgery team

As leaders in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures, we’re dedicated to getting you back to the life you love. Our specialized training and deep experience across many different areas of surgery ensure your best possible outcome.

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Minimally invasive surgery locations

Expert surgical care is available across all Roper St. Francis Healthcare hospitals and outpatient surgery centers in the greater Charleston area.

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Explore the safest and best surgical options, request a consultation or find a location near you.

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