What is invasive vs non-invasive?

Invasive procedures refer to medical interventions that involve breaking the skin, entering the body cavities, or puncturing internal organs to perform diagnosis or treatment. Invasive procedures can carry a high risk of complications and infections, require anesthesia, and often require an extended hospital stay for recovery.

On the other hand, non-invasive procedures use methods that do not require breaking the skin, entering the body cavities, or puncturing internal organs. Non-invasive procedures are generally safer, more comfortable, and require less recovery time than invasive procedures. These procedures can include imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans, as well as non-invasive treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

While invasive procedures are often necessary for diagnosing and treating certain medical conditions, non-invasive procedures are increasingly being used as alternatives where possible. Non-invasive procedures can provide essential diagnostic information, detect early signs of diseases, and can be used to monitor the progression of conditions without causing discomfort or pain to the patient.