Minimally Invasive Surgery

We carry out many abdominal and general operations by keyhole surgery, working through a few small cuts instead of one large opening. For the right patient, this often means less pain, a shorter stay, and a quicker return to normal activities. A dedicated minimally invasive surgery unit and our keyhole surgery teams support this work across our hospitals.

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery, also called keyhole or laparoscopic surgery, treats problems inside the body through a few small cuts rather than one large opening. The surgeon passes a small camera and long instruments through the cuts and operates while watching a screen. They first check whether this approach suits you, and can switch to open surgery during the operation if that becomes safer. Robotic surgery is a further development of it, and care continues through recovery and follow-up.

Who has minimally invasive surgery?

You don't usually arrive at minimally invasive surgery with a symptom of your own. Everyday problems like tummy pain, a groin lump or heartburn are looked at first by another doctor. A family doctor or a general surgeon decides whether an operation is needed, and whether keyhole surgery is a good way to carry it out.

Common operations done this way include removing the gallbladder or appendix, or repairing a hernia. The surgeon weighs up whether it suits you before going ahead. That depends on the condition being treated, any earlier surgery and your general health, and open surgery is sometimes the better option. You'll usually be referred by another doctor rather than booking a surgeon directly.

What to expect

Before keyhole surgery, you'll meet the surgeon to go through your diagnosis and what the operation involves. They'll examine you and may arrange blood tests or a scan, such as an ultrasound, to plan the safest approach. Keyhole surgery is usually done under general anaesthetic, so you're asleep for the whole operation. This is a good time to ask how long you're likely to be in hospital and how recovery usually goes, so the day itself holds fewer surprises.

During the operation, the surgeon gently inflates the abdomen with gas to see clearly, then works through a few small cuts using a camera and fine instruments and closes them with a few stitches. Many people go home the same day or the next, and are back to their usual activities within a week or two. Some feel bloating or shoulder-tip discomfort from the gas at first. Your surgeon explains the options and agrees the next step with you.

Minimally invasive surgery at Mediclinic

Across our hospitals, our surgeons carry out many general and abdominal operations by keyhole surgery, and offer open surgery when that is the right approach. Gallbladder, hernia and bowel conditions are often treated this way. Robotic surgery is available when an operation calls for even finer movements. Keyhole operations are often day surgery, so you can go home the same day.

Our minimally invasive surgery is available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.