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Being told you need surgery can stir up all sorts of emotions. It’s natural to feel anxious, relieved, or even a little curious about what comes next. One of the first decisions you and your surgeon will make together is how the procedure will be done.
Today, most surgeries fall into two categories—minimally invasive and open surgery. Each has advantages depending on your condition, overall health, and recovery goals. Understanding the difference can help you feel more confident and prepared as you plan for surgery and recovery ahead.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: A gentler approach to surgery
Minimally invasive surgery has reshaped how many conditions are treated. Instead of one larger incision, surgeons make a few tiny openings—often less than an inch—and use small, advanced instruments and a camera to guide their work. Imagine looking through a keyhole and seeing the whole room.
Common minimally invasive approaches include laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and robot-assisted surgery.
At Welia Health, minimally invasive techniques are commonly used for:
- Gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
- Appendectomy
- Hernia repair
- Certain gynecologic procedures
- Knee and shoulder arthroscopy
- Robot-assisted joint replacements
Why patients often prefer it
Minimally invasive approaches are designed to be gentler on the body:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative pain
- Lower risk of infection
- Less scarring
- Shorter hospital stays
- Quicker return to work, school, and daily activities
For many patients, a faster recovery can make a meaningful difference.
When it may not be the best choice
Minimally invasive surgery isn’t ideal in every situation. Some procedures require greater visibility or touch. Scar tissue from prior surgeries may limit what a surgeon can safely do through small openings.
And sometimes, even if minimally invasive surgery is planned, your surgeon may decide during the procedure to switch to an open approach to ensure your safety.
Open Surgery: The traditional (and still essential) option
Open surgery uses a single, larger incision to allow the surgeon direct, full access to the area being treated. While minimally invasive methods have expanded what’s possible, this approach remains a crucial option — especially for complex or emergency situations.
Welia Health surgeons commonly perform open procedures for:
- Some hernia repairs
- Large or complex abdominal masses
- More extensive gynecologic procedures
- Emergency cases requiring fast access
Why it may be the best approach
Open surgery is often recommended when:
- A tumor or growth is large
- Significant scar tissue is present
- Major blood vessels or delicate structures are involved
- The condition is complicated or widespread
- Surgery must happen urgently
Open surgery gives your surgeon the ability to see and feel tissues directly — still the most reliable option in many cases.
What recovery looks like
Because the incision is larger, recovery may involve:
- A short hospital stay
- More support at home
- A longer timeframe before returning to full activity
- Additional scar care
Still, many people recover very well — sometimes it’s simply the safest path.
What your surgeon considers
A number of factors come into play when choosing an approach to surgery. Your surgeon will weigh:
- Your diagnosis
- The size and location of the problem
- Your overall health
- Prior surgeries
- The urgency of the situation
- Their experience and available technology
It’s similar to selecting the best tool for a job — sometimes you need precision tweezers; other times, you need the full toolbox.
Questions to ask your surgeon
Bringing questions to your appointment helps you make confident decisions. Consider asking:
- Is minimally invasive surgery an option for me? Why or why not?
- What are the benefits and risks of the approach you recommend?
- How many of these procedures have you performed?
- If we plan minimally invasive surgery, could it switch to open surgery?
- What will recovery look like — in the hospital and at home?
- How soon can I return to work, school, or exercise?
- What complications should I be aware of?
- Will I need help at home — and for how long?
The American College of Surgeons offers these Questions to Ask before Having an Operation.
In addition to a list of questions, bring along a friend or family member – and a notebook – to help you remember the details of your discussion.
The bottom line: Safety first
Minimally invasive and open surgery both have their roles to play in modern medicine. The goal is the same: a safe procedure and the best possible recovery.
Your surgeon is your best ally—someone you can trust to walk you through your options and help you make the choice that aligns with your health, goals, and lifestyle. If you’ve been told you may need surgery — or would like a second opinion — our team at Welia Health is here to help. Call Welia Health at 320.679.1212 or log in to MyChart to schedule an appointment.
