Laparoscopic cholescystectomy, or removal of the gall bladder through laparoscopy (translated from Greek, laparoscopy means examination of the abdomen through a scope) became popular only in the 1980s. And in the 1990s, in view of its advantages, surgeons started using the minimal invasive procedure for the spine and other parts of the body. In India, Tempton Udwalia of Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital is accepted a pioneer by most.

Currently, this process is applied for diagnostic and therapeutic processes in the brain, heart, organs in the chest and abdominal cavity, reproductive and genito-urinary organs and even some orthopaedic problems. ‘‘It can be used for removal of fluids, tumours and cysts, glands like prostrate and thyroid, organs like gall bladder, appendix, spleen, kidneys, uterus and even spinal discs,’’ says Prasad.

‘‘When applied to the brain and spinal cord though,’’ points out Dr D V Rajkumar, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Wockhardt hospitals, Bangalore, ‘‘the word we use is not minimally invasive. It is minimal access.’’

The reason being that the idea is not only to invade in minimum, but access only the portion required. In conventional open surgeries of the spine, where, for example, a damaged disc has to be removed, not only a 6 to 7 inch incision is required, it is also necessary to dislodge the muscle mass that holds the spine in place and strengthens it. ‘‘Thereafter, even though the wounds heal, the area remains weakened and may in future give rise to further complications,’’ he says.

... contd.