Endoscopic surgery refers to the use of endoscopic technology as a significant part in performing a particular surgical operation. Endoscopy means looking inside a patient's body using an endoscope, a device particularly designed to examine the interior of a hollow organ or a cavity in the patient's body. With endoscopic surgery, surgeons only need to make small incisions or make use of the body's natural openings to diagnose and treat diseases. It is characteristically less traumatic than traditional surgery.
With the use of special instruments, endoscopic surgery provides the advantages of smaller incisions and scars, less pain and blood loss, quicker recovery, and less side effects. Disadvantages, however, also come with this type of surgery. Some of which are longer operating time, higher costs, and the possibility that complications may be masked or unnoticed.
This category offers links to various references, information sources, and updates related to endoscopic surgery including websites of organizations and publications.