As surgical procedures advance, many surgeries that used to require a large incision now only need a few small incisions. These minimally invasive surgeries have a shorter recovery times and fewer risks of pain, bleeding, and scarring.

At the University of Miami Health System, board-certified surgeons perform a wide range of minimally invasive procedures that are personalized to your needs. Through the Center of Excellence for Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, our board-certified surgeons also teach and train other surgeons from across the globe on the latest procedures and research new ways to improve surgery.

We offer innovative care and have performed thousands of robotic and minimally invasive procedures. We use different robots, including the da Vinci surgical system and the Mazor Renaissance Spine Robot, to offer highly specialized, advanced procedures. These robots allow surgeons to perform accurate, precise procedures using imaging technology. Our experienced surgical teams have used these targeted tools for many years, longer than any other facility in South Florida.

We also use other advanced tools, such as the O-arm surgical imaging system to create live, 3-D images of the body during surgery. These images help guide our surgeons, providing valuable real-time information that allow for more accurate and precise surgeries. The O-arm can be used for spine, orthopedic, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures.

We can use minimally invasive procedures to treat many types of conditions, such as:

• Brain conditions
• Colorectal conditions, including cancer
• Eye conditions
• Gastrointestinal problems, including cancers
• Gynecologic conditions, including cancer
• Heart conditions
• Spine conditions that cause neck or back pain
• Urologic conditions, such as kidney stones
• Vascular conditions

Types of minimally invasive surgery include:

• Bariatric surgeries
• Catheterization procedures like angiography or stent placement
• Endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy and polypectomies
• Eye surgeries like cataract surgery
• Fertility treatment, including in-vitro fertilization
• Hysterectomy
• Laparoscopic procedures like appendectomies
• Robotic surgeries using the da Vinci robotic surgical system
• Some types of spine surgeries

How to Prepare for Surgery

Each surgery experience is different for every patient. Your surgeon’s office can help you prepare for surgery, understand what to expect, and access any information or resources you need. You can also prepare for surgery by following the general guidelines below.

For Outpatient Surgery

If you are returning home following your surgery, please bring:

• Your insurance cards and photo ID
• A list of all medications you are currently taking (including dosage) and any medication you may need to take during your visit
• Insurance referral and authorizations

Please arrive at the office before your scheduled surgery time to prepare for your surgery. You should also follow any instructions about drinking and eating that your surgeon provides. Your surgeon may also ask you to avoid taking certain medicines before your procedure.

You should bring a friend or family member with you to your surgery so they can drive you home and care for you after your procedure.

If you have any other questions about your procedure, please contact your surgeon’s office.

For Inpatient Surgery

If you are staying in the hospital after your surgery, please bring:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card and/or Medicare card (if applicable)
• List of allergies and current medicines
• Recent tests or physical exam reports
• Copies of your advance directive, living will, or power of attorney
• Containers for contact lenses, glasses, or dentures
• Toiletries and other personal items
• Magazine, book, or other reading materials

Please plan to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will fit over any bandages or splints.

Please leave all valuables (jewelry, credit cards, money) at home, including any body-piercing jewelry or tongue studs. You may not wear any jewelry during surgery.

You should not eat or drink before your surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions. You may also need to avoid taking certain medicines before surgery.

Please arrange for someone to take you home after you are discharged from the hospital. You may need some to care for you as you recover.

Why Choose UHealth?

Improving the future of surgical care. We participate in the latest research and clinical trials, which help determine which surgeries work best for which patients. This research improves patient safety and quality of care while shaping the future of surgical treatment. Our surgeons have helped develop new procedures to treat a wide range of conditions, helping patients experience faster recoveries and fewer surgical risks.

A comprehensive team of surgeons. We provide advanced surgical care for many health problems — from heart conditions to cancer. You’ll receive care from a surgeon who has specialized experience and expertise in your specific condition, ensuring you receive the right care for your needs.

Leaders in robotic surgery treatment. The University of Miami Health is home to some of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons. That’s why doctors from across the globe come to our facility to learn from our surgeons. We were the first academic medical center to use the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system and complete more than 5,000 robotic surgeries — procedures that offer less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.