Minimal access surgery (MAS) or Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is undertaken with modern advanced surgical techniques that uses tiny cuts in the skin - or no cuts at all - rather than the large cuts used in traditional surgery methods. Surgical instruments are then passed through one or more little incisions. The surgeon examines and operates on the area in question by viewing magnified images on a television. At AKUH, we undertake most of our operations through keyhole (minimal access) and we are a training centre in this type of surgery. Prior to the surgery patients are seen by experienced faculty who discuss the merits and demerits of the various options including surgery.

The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include quick recovery and return to normal activities, less need for pain medications, less blood loss, less risk of hernia formation, early mobilization which reduces risk of blood clots, less chance of infection and is cost effective as the hospital stay is reduced.

At AKUH We offer the following types of minimally invasive surgery;

Laparoscopy - slender lighted telescope and miniature surgery instruments are used to look and operate on organs in the abdomen and pelvis through small cuts in the abdominal (tummy) wall. It is useful in assessing and treating conditions such as ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, and fallopian tube ligation for sterilization, removal of the womb, correcting prolapse, among others.