Minimally Invasive Surgery for Palliation

Abstract

Palliative care is the multidisciplinary focus on patient symptoms and quality of life. The emphasis of minimally invasive surgery on reduced pain and faster recovery aligns well with the goals of palliative care. Minimally invasive approaches can be safely and effectively used to address several common complications of solid organ malignancies as well as the complications of cytotoxic therapy. A patient-centered, minimally invasive approach will not only help alleviate disabling symptoms and improve patient quality of life but will also minimize the pain and adverse effects of the intervention itself.

Keywords: Bypass; Endoscopic; Laparoscopic; Minimally invasive surgery; Palliative; Robotic.