WHAT IS LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY?
Laparoscopic or “Minimally Invasive” surgery is a specialized technique for performing surgery. Lapaoscopic surgery uses several small holes (ports), about ½ -1 inch in size, in the abdominal wall. This is different than traditional ‘open’ surgery with a 6-10 inch incision.
Depending on the type of Laparoscopic surgery, a 2-3 inch incision may be needed to remove the specimen (ie colon).
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY?
The advantages are 2. First, the recovery is faster. This is because there is less of an incision, so there is less pain. Patients recover in about half of the time as compared to traditional surgery. For colon surgery, 3-4 days in the hospital and back to work in 2-3 weeks is possible.
Second, there is less scarring. Wounds are small and more cosmetically acceptable.
WHAT KINDS OF OPERATIONS CAN BE DONE LAPAROSCOPICALLY?
Most intestinal surgeries can be done Laparoscopically. The surgeries should be done by a well qualified surgeon.
IS IT SAFE?
Laparoscopic surgery is as safe as the traditional open surgery.