Keyhole surgery: the key to a better surgical experience
Written in association with:
Published: 16/01/2025
Edited by: Jessica Wise
Keyhole surgery is a surgical technique that is quickly becoming preferable for both patients and surgeons. In this article, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Daniel Cohen explains the benefits of keyhole surgery, specifically for knee replacements.
What is keyhole surgery?
Keyhole surgery is a minimally invasive technique. Whereas traditional open surgery typically involves one large incision in order to allow surgeons access inside the body, a keyhole surgery only needs one or more deliberately placed, small incisions through which they insert surgical tools – one of the key tools is a long thin tube (flexible or rigid) that has a camera and a light called a scope attached to one end. The other end of the scope is connected to a screen in the operating theatre that will project the camera’s perspective, allowing surgeons to view the internal organs and structures in high definition and in real-time. Through other incisions, they will use tools like scalpels, needles, and forceps to investigate issues, remove blockages and harmful growths, seal and reattached ruptures and tears, and remove dysfunctional organs and tissues.
After the procedure, the tools are removed and the incisions are sutured and dressed in bandages. Most patients can go home on the same day.
What are the applications of keyhole surgery?
What are the applications of keyhole surgery?
Keyhole surgery can be used to diagnose, treat, and correct many issues in the body. In orthopaedics, keyhole surgery is often utilised for joint issues (called arthroscopy), such Mr Cohen’s speciality in keyhole knee replacement procedures.
A keyhole can be performed for a total or partial knee replacement. It involves the surgeon making short incisions around the knee, through which they can move the knee cap aside and insert surgical tools, including the arthroscope. The portions of damaged bone on the end of the tibia and femur are removed and reshaped, and then prosthetic implants made of silicone, metal, and ceramic are fitted onto the reshaped ends. The kneecap is put back into place, and the incisions are sealed and dressed. The procedure in total takes only around an hour, and most patients can return home within the day of the surgery.
For a keyhole knee replacement, the recovery period is expected to be around four months, but patients are recommended to abstain from strenuous lifting and physical activity for an additional eight weeks until the implant is fully stable. Physical therapy is recommended to strengthen the knee and regain mobility.
What are the benefits of keyhole surgery?
Open surgery incisions are large and can take a long time to heal, leave a highly visible scar, and can lead to a lot of blood loss during the procedure. The benefits of keyhole surgery are that although there may be more incisions, they are smaller, meaning there is less blood loss, shorter recovery time, and smaller, less noticeable scars. Additionally, patients will have less pain and swelling as they heal and lower chances of contracting an infection or developing complications from the incisions because of their smaller size.
Keyhole procedures tend to be on the short side, ranging from 30 minutes to four hours, but this will depend on the nature of the procedure. Recovery time will also vary depending on the procedure, but patients generally can return to their normal activities within a couple of weeks as opposed to months.
To know more about keyhole surgery, consult with Mr Cohen via his Top Doctors profile.