Back to Basics: Minimally Invasive Surgery

In the past 20 to 30 years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become commonplace in almost all surgical specialties. The needs of the perioperative team and patients are different during MIS than during traditional open surgery. The equipment and instrumentation required to perform MIS are extensive and continue to evolve as new techniques are developed. As advances in MIS occur and more procedures are completed using this method, some surgeons are conducting research studies related to the efficacy of certain longstanding MIS protocols. Perioperative nurses are challenged to stay current on the available technology and results of research studies so that they can provide safe patient care. This Back to Basics article will provide basic strategies for perioperative nurses to ensure successful MIS outcomes for patients.