Minimally Invasive Surgery vs Open Surgery: Which is Right for You?

If you've been told you need a foot or ankle operation, you may need to choose between minimally invasive surgery vs open surgery. But what are the differences between these two options? And how can you decide which option is best for you when undergoing foot or ankle surgery with our podiatrist in Powder Springs? 

In brief, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a new way to perform surgery; it's associated with shorter procedure times and faster recovery periods. By contrast, open surgery is a traditional procedure, in which your doctor will create a large opening in your soft tissue in order to conduct the operation.

In this post, we'll examine the benefits of MIS and open surgery, comparing each procedure type and highlighting conditions for which each one may be an optimal treatment choice. 

What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)? 

MIS is a procedure performed using a laparoscope, a specialized tool that allows surgeons to operate after making multiple small incisions. What makes this fiber optic tool so special? It's equipped with a light and camera, so it can send real-time, high-definition images back to the surgeon performing minimaly invasive surgery. This provides the same field of vision enjoyed during an open surgery, but without the need for a major incision. 

Benefits 

Because MIS is performed with small incisions, healing after your procedure happens at a much faster rate. During and after your procedure, you'll have a reduced risk for bleeding. You'll have smaller scars, less post-surgical pain, a lower risk for infection and shorter stays in the hospital following MIS on your toe, foot or ankle. In our Powder Springs podiatry practice, there are several conditions we treat with minimally invasive surgery on a regular basis. Plus, other conditions may lend themselves to this surgical method. However, not every foot condition will be well treated by MIS, and not every patient is a candidate for this approach. For that reason, it's important to review the differences between minimall invasive surgery vs open surgery, to determine if the latter is a better option for your condition. 

What Is Open Surgery? 

When we peform open foot or ankle surgery, the incision size will be quite large. This allows us to see the bones, muscles and tissues we'll be treating surgically, and may also allow us to implant supportive structures during the procedure that will provide ongoing stability once your incision is closed. 

As we reviewed above, certain conditions, including hammertoes, bone spurs, neuromas and tailor's bunions, are well suited for MIS treatment. However, if we are repairing a foot fracture, dealing with extremely flat feet, or needing to perform a complex procedure like an osteotomy, open surgery may be preferable, as this study suggests the technique will lead to better outcomes in such cases. Furthermore, you may prefer open surgery vs minimally invasive surgery if you want the peace of mind that comes with implanted stabilizing devices, since these can help prevent the recurrence of conditions such as bunions. 

Benefits and Risks

Open surgery allows your doctor to have more dexterity and control over hand movements. It also provides easier acces to hard-to-reach structures deep within your foot. However, the procedure may result in a longer recovery period, increased post-surgical pain; a higher risk for bleeding and infection; and a need for general anesthesia, which carries its own set of risks. 

Minimally Invasive Surgery vs Open Surgery: Which is Right for You? 

At the end of the day, neither surgical approach is inherently superior or inferior. Instead, Powder Springs podiatrist Dr. Alvin Cowans will need to fully evaluate your current condition and explain the risks and benefits of each approach before guiding you to the appropriate treatment plan. As such, you'll need to come into the office to truly know whether MIS or open surgery will be your best pathway to healing. 

Still, one thing is clear. And it's true regardless of the surgical approach used to heal your foot or ankle condition. Here it is: delaying treatment is never a good option. The longer you walk around on a foot or ankle condition in need of surgical repair, the more pain you'll experience, and the likelier it is that your condition will worsen. So don't waste another day sitting at home and worrying about the best surgical approach to help you heal. Instead, reach out to the office today and let our foot and ankle experts help you make the best possible decision.