Types of Surgery

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health surgeons have extensive experience in all types of surgical procedures, including traditional and minimally invasive. Your surgeon will discuss any options with you and your family to identify the approach that offers you the best long-term outcome.

Ask your team any questions about your procedure. We want you to feel informed and confident during your experience with us.

Types of surgical procedures

There are two main types of procedures:

• Traditional, also called conventional or open
• Minimally invasive including robotic

We strive to use the least invasive technique possible. Sometimes, however, we can achieve a better result for you using a traditional procedure rather than a minimally invasive one.

Traditional surgery (open surgery)

We place you under general anesthesia and make a longer incision in order to access the surgical site. We will close the incision with sutures or stitches.

Minimally invasive surgery

During a minimally invasive procedure, surgeons use various techniques, such as laparoscopic, endoscopic, endovascular, “keyhole,” and thorascopic to perform the procedure with less disruption to your body. With minimally invasive surgery, your surgeon will insert tiny surgical instruments into small incisions or into a small flexible tube which is inserted into a blood vessel or opening such as the mouth or nostrils in order to reach the surgical site. We also use viewing instruments, small cameras or imaging during procedures.

Benefits can include:

• A shorter recovery
• Smaller scar
• Lower risk of infection
• Less blood loss

Robotic surgery

Robot-assisted procedures also use small incisions and miniature instruments. Our experienced surgeons use the most advanced generation surgical system, controlling the procedure from a nearby console. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health surgeons have performed thousands of surgeries using the system since we invested in this technology in 2008.

In addition to the above, benefits of robot-assisted surgery when compared to traditional surgery include:

• Superior 3D visualization inside of the body at the surgical site
• Easier access to hard-to-reach places

Transfusion-free medicine

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is a leader in data-driven patient blood management techniques. We offer a special service for those who wish to avoid the use of blood transfusions during their procedures. Read more about our transfusion-free medicine approach.