Minimally Invasive Surgery: The Development of Surgical Endoscopy in Iraq

Laparoscopic intervention in the abdomen, or even the kidney, ureter, uterus, or knee. This procedure reduces risks, improves recovery, and speeds up the recovery process after surgery, allowing patients to return to normal activity and function normally. In Iraq, laparoscopy is performed in government or private hospitals using laparoscopic towers. These towers consist of a screen, a CCU, a light source, and a camera connected to a processor and a lens specific to the type of surgery being performed. There are lenses for general surgery, urology, gynecology, and others, along with precise surgical instruments inserted into the abdomen through special incisions, or with a lens in the case of urological surgery. Laparoscopic surgery in Iraq involves the surgeon using a 30-degree lens and inserting three incisions: one for injecting carbon dioxide gas, another for the lens, and a third for the instruments (the gas is injected to expand the space in which he is working and obtain a clear image). Staining applications, or the use of indocyanine green (ICG), have recently been introduced into laparoscopy, significantly improving the image, especially when dealing with cancerous tumors. Areas like hernia repair proved early how standardizing minimally invasive approaches lowers costs compared to traditional open surgery through reduced time off work and quicker recovery. This allows minimally invasive options to benefit more individuals, whether for acute conditions or managing chronic illnesses preferring ambulatory treatments. In the latter context, researchers explore applications improving preventative and longitudinal care delivery. Examples include natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgeries performing operations via the mouth or vagina, minimizing visible scarring. Other concepts envision performing future colonoscopies with swallowable robotic capsules transmitting live mucosal imagery, reducing invasiveness. Beyond singular innovations, collaborations accelerate progress.