Minimally invasive head and neck surgery is a highly specialized technique for evaluating, diagnosing and treating benign or cancerous growths located within the head and neck using special instruments inserted through the nose (trans-nasally) and mouth (trans-orally). The benefits of minimally invasive head and neck surgery include less risk of infection and damage to facial nerves and muscles, less risk of disfigurement and a shorter recovery time.

A variety of specially designed, highly flexible fiberoptic endoscopes are used to visualize the area. The surgeon may use traditional surgical instruments and/or lasers to perform the needed procedure through the nose and mouth as well.

Who performs minimally :-

A partial list of conditions that may be treated and procedures that may be performed using minimally invasive head and neck surgery includes:

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy for diagnosing and staging head and neck cancers, especially cancers of the tongue and mouth
• Nasal and paranasal tumors
• Salivary gland tumors
• Soft palate cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Laryngeal tumors
• Pharyngeal tumors
• Zenker's Diverticulotomy
• Transoral laser surgery
• Precise identification of tumor borders using operating microscope

MIS is used for most patients this will translate into physical, psychological and cosmetic benefits. Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include :-

• For some patients, the surgery can be performed in an outpatient clinic.
• Less blood loss
• Smaller scars
• Diminished post-operative pain
• Less damage to muscle and skin
• Faster and easier rehabilitation
• Quicker return to normal activities

Herninated Disks, Spinal Stenosis, Spinal Deformity, Compression fracturers these are the techniques used in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.

In India, some of the best world renewed spinal surgeons working for their respective JCI Accrediated hospitals like Apollo Hospital- Chennai, Apollo Hospital - Delhi, Wockhardt Hospital - Mumbai, Manipal Hospital - Chennai etc.