Minimally Invasive Surgery

At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Everything Matters, including our ability to perform procedures and surgeries using the latest, and least invasive technology. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is performed through small incisions using miniaturized surgical tools and cameras. Compared to traditional open surgery, where an incision is made large enough to access the internal organs, minimally invasive techniques only require two to three small incisions.

Due to the specialized and in-depth training our surgeons undergo, we are able to offer minimally invasive techniques for nearly all routine procedures and, unlike many other pediatric institutions, even the most complex procedures.

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery

In all cases, procedures that use MIS methods are the same as those done using conventional techniques - they are as safe, achieve the desired results, and “work” as well as conventional operations – but they also offer several important advantages:

• Accelerated healing and recovery 

• Less pain after surgery

• Less scarring 

• Fewer complications and potential for infections

• Fewer and shorter hospital stays

• Reduced potential for injury to skin, muscle and nerves

• Reduced blood loss

• Faster return to school and normal activities

Minimally invasive surgery is offered in all surgical specialties 

At Nationwide Children’s Hospital our surgeons are trained in all forms of MIS including pediatric surgery, ENT, orthopedics, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, cardiothoracic and urology.

Robot-Assisted Surgery

Robot-assisted surgery is one minimally invasive approach that combines the skills of specially trained surgeons with a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system. Learn More.

Is minimally invasive surgery an option for your child?

Minimally invasive surgery offers the ability to perform operations with less pain and quicker recovery, but it is not appropriate for all types surgeries. If your child needs to have surgery it is important to ask the surgeon whether MIS is an option.  If you would like a second opinion about your child’s options, contact us.

Conditions treated by minimally invasive techniques

Many conditions that require surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Pediatric surgeons at Nationwide Children’s are specially trained to use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce pain, length of hospital stays and the appearance of surgical scars. Learn more about conditions treated by minimally invasive techniques.