Surgery. For many patients, it means long hospital stays, time away from home, family, and job, as well as significant pain, a lengthy recovery period, and visible scarring. But that picture is changing today because of advances in minimally invasive surgery. These less-invasive approaches to surgical procedures are fast becoming the treatment of choice for patients around the world. Innovative surgical products and medical device technology coupled with life-enhancing procedures have made this revolution in the world of medicine a reality.

Minimally invasive surgery, which refers to surgery performed in ways other than through large "open" incisions in the body, is revolutionizing the way many patients receive care today. And Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., (EES) is leading the charge.

Gall bladder surgery, breast biopsies, and other minimally invasive procedures can now be performed through very small surgical incisions. Compared with traditional "open" surgery, this could mean:

• a faster recovery for the patient
• resuming normal activity faster
• potentially shorter hospital stays
• lower total cost of care

At EES, we're committed to the advancement of minimally invasive surgery. Our relationships with surgeons, nurses, OR directors, CFOs, and materials managers have proven instrumental in the design and development of new surgical procedures and products that benefit patients, employers, health care plans, insurers, surgeons, and hospitals.