The term non-invasive refers to surgical procedures that do not require sutures or cuts to the body [1]. There are many different types of non-invasive procedures, but the most common focus on the heart, brain, and kidneys. Non-invasive techniques are also used in various cosmetic surgeries. Hospitals around the world are beginning to employ this technique to provide patients with a procedure that is less invasive and therefore provides easier recovery for the patient. The tools used in such procedures are based on breakthrough technology. These tools are constantly being modified and improved upon to make the surgeries as efficient as possible.

One such tool includes the gamma knife, which is used for non-invasive brain surgery [2]. The gamma knife does not leave an incision or require any sutures. Instead, it utilizes gamma rays to eliminate small to medium-sized tumors or abnormal blood-vessel formations. It destroys an area of the brain that produces seizures and it treats brain tumors by destroying malformed blood vessels that obstruct necessary blood flow. The knife significantly reduces surgery time and cuts patient bills in half. This method can prove to be extremely beneficial to patients because it avoids damage to the surrounding tissue in the brain caused by traditional surgical procedures. Due to such procedures, patients are allowed to return home from the hospital earlier than normal, often in just one day. The procedure is also being more widely used in treating benign and malignant brain tumors, acoustic neuromas, vascular malformations and other neurological disorders.

Most non-invasive procedures are performed with the aid of MRI's or other forms of radiology to guide the devices through the body. They also assist in mapping out the organ at the time of the surgery to better assist the surgeon. After the procedure is performed, angiographies are used to monitor the results of the intervention [1]. An angiography consists of a narrow tube being placed in the blood vessel of the groin. The tube then releases dye into the direct blood vessel of the heart. Another common technique used for the heart is called a Coronary Angioplasty. With this process, doctors are able to see the narrowings of the coronary arteries. This non-invasive procedure is replacing the more traditional invasive procedure called the Coronary Bypass surgery. In the original procedure, vessels taken from other parts of the body are used to create other passages in place of the clogged passages to supply the heart with blood. However, the coronary angioplasty can be done without invasive surgery. With this technique, the angiography is used to guide surgical anchors into place to re-open clogged blood vessels. This technique in heart surgery has allowed many patients to return home in a significantly less amount of time when compared to the invasive procedure.

Cosmetic surgeries also employ non-invasive techniques for a wide variety of procedures. The most common yet is the facial rejuvenation techniques used to fade away skin creases and blemishes. These procedures include chemical peels and Botox rejuvenation [3]. Chemical peels can be compared to severe sunburn when one's skin starts to peel off as a result of being dried out. The deeper the peel the longer it takes for the skin to come off. The process usually begins after a few after the procedure. The chemical used in this procedure is glycolic acid and is used in different strengths depending on how deep the patient wants the treatment. For reducing lines and creases on the face, many resort to the famous Botox treatment. This procedure involves a series of injections of a solution called botulinium toxin. This diluted form of toxin works by relaxing facial muscles and preventing creases and wrinkles formed by common expressions like smiling and frowning from coming back.

Another type of surgery involving non-invasive procedures is the removal of kidney stones. Lithotripsy uses x-ray or ultrasound to determine the exact location of the stone [4]. The stone is then broken up into tiny pieces using high-energy shockwaves coming from outside of the body. The pieces are then passed naturally through the urine over a period of twenty-four hours. A physician carefully monitors the procedure using x-ray equipment. Even though this procedure is performed on outpatient basis the patient could take up to four to six weeks to recover. However, procedures such as Lithotripsy provide a great non-invasive alternative to surgery.

The growing use of non-invasive procedures is shaping the practice of medicine worldwide. Time and monetary resources that were once required to perform major surgeries have now been downsized dramatically due to the more sophisticated non-invasive techniques. For example, patients that once had no alternatives to open-heart surgery or invasive brain surgeries now have more favorable options available to them. In addition, because non-invasive procedures require small tools used during surgery, they allow patients to undergo surgery without significant scarring. However, even though non-invasive surgery has many advantages, it also carries with it some disadvantages. For example, in the case of lithotripsy used for the removal of kidney stones, multiple treatments may be necessary for adequate fragmentation of the stone and this can pose as undesirable for many patients [5]. Although the idea of non-invasive surgery is fairly new, improvements are currently being made to many techniques to better accommodate the needs of patients.

Mahmooda is a second-year student majoring in Psychology. She aspires to conduct medical research in neuroscience.