Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery?
In a traditional surgery, the surgeon must make a large incision near the surgical site. This can lead to prominent and unattractive scarring, as well as a long recovery period. With laparoscopic surgery, the procedure requires much smaller incisions – usually about a centimeter in length. Not only do these incisions heal faster and with a lower risk of complications, but they are also less obvious after they have healed. This translates to shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, and a faster return to work, school or other activities.
What happens during a laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is performed with the use of general anesthesia. During the procedure, several tiny openings are made, through with the surgeon places several thin instruments and a lighted camera. With the aid of real-time imaging, the tools are used to repair or remove tissues.
Is laparoscopic surgery safe?
While all surgical procedures have some degree of risk, laparoscopic surgery is considered very safe. In fact, it often lowers the risk of complications following an operation. In a 2009 study of more than 10,000 appendectomy and colectomy patients, those who underwent minimally invasive surgery experienced significantly lower rates of post-surgical infections, as well as much shorter hospital stays.
For more information about laparoscopic surgery and whether it could be right for you, contact our office.