DOI: 10.36347/sasjs

Pages: 128-135

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has emerged as a transformative approach in the management of obstetric and general surgical emergencies. This review aims to synthesize evidence published between June 2015 and March 2016 regarding the indications, outcomes, limitations, and recommendations surrounding MIS in acute care settings. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case series, and relevant clinical guidelines. The findings demonstrate that MIS, including laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, significantly reduces postoperative morbidity, shortens hospital stay, and accelerates recovery compared to open surgery in selected emergencies such as ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, perforated peptic ulcer, and acute appendicitis. However, concerns remain about its utility in hemodynamically unstable patients and its learning curve in resource-limited settings. The evidence underscores the importance of patient selection, surgeon experience, and institutional resources in determining the appropriateness of MIS. While international guidelines increasingly support minimally invasive approaches for specific emergencies, further high-quality comparative studies are warranted to define standardized protocols. In conclusion, MIS offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional open surgery in carefully selected obstetric and general surgical emergencies, with potential benefits for both patients and healthcare systems.