Similar to the development of arthroscopic surgery for knee disorders, Minimally Invasive Procedures (MIP) techniques are now offering a tremendous breakthrough in the treatment of a number of conditions including colon cancer and colon disease, appendicitis, ventral hernia, hemorrhoids, endometriosis, uterine cancer and acid reflux (GERD). MIP techniques are even used in diagnostic testing for breast cancer and weight loss surgery.

What Does This Mean To You As An Employer
According to Johnson & Johnson, traditional open surgery has been the most common treatment option for many patients with these conditions. However, with a minimally invasive procedure, patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery may feel better sooner and experience several other benefits over conventional “open” surgery including: less recovery time, less time in the hospital, less pain, and less scarring. Kirk Woodruff, Director of National Strategic Alliances of Johnson & Johnson recently stated “MIP improves surgical quality for the employer and the employee”.

Additionally, Minimally Invasive Procedures has proven to be as effective as open surgery, resulting in:

• A shorter length of stay (LOS) in the hospital
• Less overall complications
• Quicker recovery / Quicker return to work and to normal activities
• Less pain
• Reduced infection rates
• Reduced absenteeism
• Improved presenteeism

What Should I Do Next?
Ask your employees to talk to their physician about their options and develop a surgery plan that’s right for them. Any surgery, whether performed as a minimally invasive or open procedure should be taken seriously. Surgery can result in complications and employees should discuss any and all concerns with their surgeon.

For more information on minimally invasive procedures as well as a listing of physicians who perform MIP, CLICK HERE to visit the MIP information website.

CLICK HERE to visit the Johnson & Johnson website.

CLICK HERE to view the average length of a hospital stay for a given procedure for patients who had a minimally invasive procedure performed versus and open procedure performed.

CLICK HERE to view “A Guide to Minimally Invasive Procedures, an Effective Alternative to Conventional Surgery."