Laparoscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery in which a number of small incisions are made, around a quarter inch in length each. Using smaller incisions means that patients experience less pain and a shorter recuperation period. Below is a guide to some of the most common types of laparoscopic surgery.

Colon

Laparoscopic surgery of the colon requires four or five small incisions of around a quarter inch in size. Through these incisions, the surgeon uses a fiber optic camera connected to a monitor to see inside the patient and guide the other instruments.

Inguinal Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs are done via a laparoscope, which is fed into small incisions in the abdominal wall. A camera is fed through, as is a tube which allows for the abdominal cavity to be inflated with carbon dioxide. This allows more room for the surgeon to perform the procedure. The hole through which the muscle is protruding is covered with a surgical mesh from within and surgical staples are used to patch it.

Gallbladder Removal

The gallbladder is an organ located on the right-hand-side of the body, just under the rib cage and near the liver. Removal of the gall bladder is one of the most common targets for laparoscopic surgery. The gall bladder stores bile, which is used to assist in the breakdown of fatty foods. When we don’t eat for extended periods, such as during sleep, the gallbladder stores the bile ready to release it when it’s needed.

Laparoscopic gallbladder removal involves four small incisions in the abdomen, whereas in open surgery a five- to seven-inch incision is required. With laparoscopic surgery, surgical instruments and a camera are fed into the incisions in order to make the necessary cuts at various points around the organ.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is much less painful for patients in the immediate aftermath of their surgery and in some cases, they are even able to go home on the same day. The overall recuperation period is much shorter than it is for open surgery and the incidence of complications is lower. Laparoscopic surgery also causes very little cosmetic damage when compared with open surgery and for some patients, this is very important.
Laparoscopic surgery of the colon, hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and many other forms of minimally invasive surgery are available at our clinic. Drop by for a consultation.