Laparoscopic surgery

A newer means of performing operations that utilizes very small incisions through which instruments called laparoscopes are passed, allowing the surgeon to see, cut, and sew without requiring a large incision.


An operation performed under general anesthesia with the use of a fiberoptic device called a laparoscope (a viewing tube), which projects images onto a television monitor while the surgeon manipulates surgical instruments within the body. When patient safety allows it, laparoscopic surgery is preferred over more invasive open procedures because of the smaller incision, reduced postoperative pain, and quicker recovery.


A form of endoscopic surgery in which a fiberoptic laparoscope is inserted into the body to inspect, resect, or otherwise surgically treat a wide and expanding variety of conditions. Small incisions (ports) are created to insert required instrumentation. In “assisted” laparoscopic procedures, a smaller than standard ancillary incision may be necessary for removal of large specimens or to perform various surgical maneuvers. A laparoscopic surgery may also be used to complement other procedures (e.g., vaginal hysterectomy). Under certain circumstances (e.g., hemorrhage or dense adhesions) the laparoscopic procedure cannot be completed. Operating time is longer and equipment is more expensive in laparoscopic surgery than in laparotomy, but the convalescence of patients who have undergone laparoscopic procedures is shorter, and pain, nausea, vomiting, and obstipation are diminished. Common operations performed with a laparoscope include cholecystectomy, appendectomy, colonic surgery, hernia repairs (including hiatal hernias), and many gynecological surgeries.


 


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