After receiving his medical degree from St. George’s University, Dr. David Greuner served as a resident at Banner Health in Arizona and Atlantic Health in New Jersey. He then completed his fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. He currently functions as the managing director of NYC Surgical Associates, where he advocates for and practices minimally invasive surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery refers to any type of surgery that utilizes a range of techniques that leaves less damage to the body as compared to open surgery. To perform these types of surgeries, modern technology such as fiber-optic cameras (also known as laparoscopes) and even robots are used to aid the surgeon. There are currently many types of minimally invasive surgical procedures, which are used for almost every type of organ, from the adrenal glands to the heart.
There are four major benefits associated with minimally invasive surgery:
1. Minimally invasive procedures are considered safer, as they subject the body to less trauma, which translates into less blood loss.
2. Due to the small size of the incisions, it just takes a stitch or two to close the wound. This results in a reduced risk for scar tissue formation.
3. Quicker recovery times have been observed among those who undergo minimally invasive procedures. Compared to traditional surgery patients, who typically recover within the span of six to eight weeks, minimally invasive surgery patients need just two weeks to recover fully in most instances.
4. Reduced recovery times also means that patients don't have to stay long in the hospital. Traditionally, patients need to stay in the hospital for several days following surgery to observe for complications. With minimally invasive surgery, patients may go home in less than a day following the procedure.
