Digestive System

Dozens of different kinds of operations are now being done using these new minimally invasive techniques. These include operations on the abdomen, heart, reproductive organs, nerves, ear, nose, sinuses, throat, joints, chest organs, urinary tract, and blood vessels. These techniques are also used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Minimally invasive surgery may be an appropriate […]

Laparoscopy is easier on the patient because it uses a few very small incisions. For example, traditional “open surgery” on the abdomen usually requires a four- to five-inch incision through layers of skin and muscle. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor usually makes two to three incisions that are about a half-inch long. The smaller incisions

Since laparoscopy involves minimal damage to body tissues, it is generally safer than open operations. In diagnostic laparoscopy, for instance, complications occur in about three out of every 1,000 operations, a significantly lower number than traditional surgery. A complication is an unforeseen problem that occurs during or after surgery, such as internal bleeding or injury

Almost every kind of doctor who performs surgery may use minimally invasive methods for some kinds of operations. Obsterictians and gynecologists often use laparoscopy to diagnose and treat women’s health problems. General surgeons may use laparoscopy for gallbladder disease. Orthopedic surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures to repair the knee and other joints. Trauma surgeons may

For laparoscopy, the patient is usually given a general anesthesia and is unconscious during the operation. General anesthesia relaxes muscles and makes it easier for the doctor to perform the surgery. Some procedures, however, are done with a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area of the body where the incisions will be made. The

Individuals scheduled for laparoscopy usually visit the doctor’s office before the operation to discuss the procedure in detail. During the visit, the doctor should fully explain the procedure, what will be done and why, the risks, and how you will benefit from the procedure. The doctor also should answer questions about the procedure. Tests may

The procedure depends on several factors, including the area of the body, the disease, the patient’s condition, and whether the operation is to diagnose or treat. Minimally invasive surgery on the knee, for instance, is much different than surgery on the abdomen. A typical laparoscopic gallbladder operation usually involves the following steps: The doctor makes a small

Complications after laparoscopic surgery are rare. Most people recover quickly and resume their normal activities without problems. However, the risk of infection or other problems exists as with any kind of surgery. There may be some soreness near the incisions, especially when twisting or stretching the body. If a breathing tube was used for the

Individuals who have laparoscopic surgery should carefully follow their doctors’ instructions after going home. The exact kind of care needed depends on the type of surgery, the individual’s age and general health, and other factors. In general, people recovering from laparoscopic surgery should care for their incision as directed by the doctor, be cautious about

Recovery time depends on the kind of procedure, the patient’s age, and health before the procedure. The following is a normal timetable for recovery from minimally invasive surgery on the abdomen: The groggy feeling from the anesthetic disappears the day after surgery and the individual is fully alert once again. Any pain in the shoulders

New developments in minimally invasive surgery should result in operations that are even easier on the patient and the treatment of a wider range of diseases. In the future, minimally invasive surgery will: Use even smaller incisions that heal faster with almost invisible scars. The standard laparoscope is about one-half inch in diameter. Newer micro-laparoscopes

Here are some frequently asked questions related to laparoscopy: Q: I’m confused about the medical terms forminimally invasive surgery and the traditional open operations. Which is which? A: Laparoscopy means surgery on the abdominal area using a laparoscope. This is minimally invasive, or Band-Aid, surgery, which uses small incisions. Laparotomy is the term for the traditional open surgery