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Laparoscopic Surgery


Description of Laparoscopic Surgery


It wasn't so long ago that a person who had the gallbladder removed emerged from the hospital five days later with a prominent scar and spent the next month recovering from it. Today, thanks to laparoscopic surgery, one is likely to be home the next evening and back in a normal routine by the end of the week - with only a Band-Aid or two to show for the surgery. Laparoscopic surgery involves making a number of small incisions (less than half an inch long) and using special instruments and a special video camera to perform the operation. In order to do this, the abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas to create a space to work in. It is now possible to perform most general surgery operations laparoscopically.

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What Questions to ask Your Doctor About Laparoscopic Surgery?


Is laparoscopy the preferred procedure in this case?

What are its advantages over open surgery?

What are the risks?

Will general anesthesia be given?

How will the surgery be performed?

Will there be noticeable stitches afterwards?

Will there be post-operative pain?

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