Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) — performed through small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments — has transformed general surgery over the past three decades. This pillar guide explains what MIS is, which procedures Dr. Vanesha Varik performs in Dubai, and how to know if you are a candidate.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
Instead of one long incision, MIS uses 3–5 ports of 5–12 mm through which a high-definition camera and specialised instruments are passed. The surgeon operates while viewing a magnified 4K image of the operating field.
Benefits over open surgery
- •Smaller scars and better cosmetic outcome
- •Less post-operative pain
- •Faster return to work and normal activities
- •Lower wound infection rate
- •Shorter hospital stay (often day-care)
- •Better magnified view for the surgeon
Procedures Dr. Varik performs minimally invasively
- •Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
- •Inguinal, femoral, umbilical, hiatal and ventral hernia repair
- •Appendicectomy
- •Diagnostic laparoscopy for pelvic and abdominal pain
- •Adhesiolysis
- •Single-incision (SILS) cholecystectomy for selected patients
- •Minor procedures (lipoma, sebaceous cyst, fissure) under local or regional anaesthesia
Who is a candidate?
The vast majority of adults are candidates for MIS. Factors that may require open surgery include: very large complex ventral hernia, dense intra-abdominal adhesions from previous surgery, certain emergency presentations and selected patient-specific medical conditions.
Insurance coverage
All major UAE insurers cover medically indicated minimally invasive surgery with pre-authorisation.