Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

minimally invasive surgerySurgery
using a rigid endoscopepassed into the
body through a small incision. Further
small openings are made for surgical
instruments so that the operation can
be performed without a long surgical
incision. Minimally invasive surgery
may be used for many operations in
the abdomen (see laparoscopy), includ-
ing appendicectomy, cholecystectomy,
hernia repair, and many gynaecological
procedures. Knee operations (see arth-
roscopy) are also often performed by
minimally invasive surgery.
minipillAnoral contraceptivecontain-
ing a progestogen drug. It makes the
mucus lining the cervix so thick that
sperm cannot pass through. It also has
other effects that impede conception.
Possible adverse effects include irregu-
lar periods, bleeding between periods,
ectopic pregnancy, and ovariancysts.
minocyclineA tetracycline antibiotic
drugused to treat acne, respiratory-
tract infections, and some genitourinary
infections. It is also used to prevent
meningococcal meningitis.

minoxidilA vasodilator drug used to

treat severe hypertensionwhen other

drugs have been ineffective. Prolonged

use can stimulate hair growth, and so it

is used in lotion form as a treatment for

male-pattern baldness (see alopecia).

miosisConstriction of the pupil of the

eye. Miosis may be caused by drugs

such as pilocarpineor opium, by a dis-

ease affecting the autonomic nervous

system, or by bright light. A degree of

miosis is normal in older people.

miotic drugs Drugs used in the treat-

ment of glaucoma to reduce pressure in

the eye. Used topically, miotic drugs

cause the pupil to contract, which opens

up the drainage channels and drains

fluid from the front of the eye. Side

effects include headache, particularly

over the eye, and blurred vision. Com-

mon miotics include carbachol and

pilocarpine. (See also mydriatic drugs.)

miscarriageLoss of the fetus before

the 24th week of pregnancy or viability

(the ability to survive outside the uterus

without artificial support). The medical

term is spontaneous abortion.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY MISCARRIAGE

M

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY

Intravenous

fluid

Anaesthetic

equipment Endoscope

Monitor

INSIDE THE ABDOMEN

Rigid endoscope

Surgical instruments

MINIMALLY INVASIVE ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Surgeon

Instrument
table

Suction

instrument

Assistant

surgeon