Surgeons at Western Baptist Hospital offer many "minimally invasive" types of surgery that utilize laparoscopic techniques.

What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive approach to surgery of the abdomen and pelvis. Traditional abdominal surgeries are performed using "open" approaches. This means the surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen to expose the organ or area being operated on.

With laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon make several "keyhole" incisions less than an inch in length. A laparoscope, a very thin, hollow tube with its own lighting system and miniature video camera, is inserted through one of the keyholes. The laparoscope allows your surgeon to see into your abdomen and pelvis. While viewing the procedure on a video screen, your surgeon operates with tiny instruments inserted through other small incisions.

Laparoscopes have been used since the early 1970s for diagnosing gynecological problems and for simple procedures such as tubal ligation (sterilization surgery). In 1988, laparoscopes were approved for gallbladder removal, a procedure known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Now, about 95 percent of gallbladder removals use laparoscopes. Advances in technology have allowed laparoscopic techniques to be used much more widely for other surgeries of the abdomen, chest and pelvis.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages over traditional open procedures, including:

• Less Pain. Because there is no large incision, you will have less pain and will need less pain medication after your operation.
• Faster Recovery. Most patients who receive laparoscopic surgery are able to return to their normal diet and physical activities in a matter of days rather than weeks with traditional open procedures.
• Shorter Hospital Stay. Many patients who receive laparoscopic surgery are able to go home the same day. Others only need to stay a day or two, compared to much longer hospital stays after conventional surgery.

Preparing for Laparoscopic Surgery

Most laparoscopic procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before surgery. For more information, please refer to our Instructions for Outpatient Surgery.

Recovering from Laparoscopic Surgery

After any laparoscopic surgery, you can expect some discomfort. One of the most commonly reported side effects is pain in the shoulders, neck and abdomen, because gas used during the operation to lift the abdomen can't be totally removed. The pain usually goes away within 12-24 hours with bed rest. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication.

Nausea may also occur as a result of the anesthesia or of the procedure itself.

Your incision and stitches may be tender for a few days. Your doctor will tell you when the bandage can be removed. If you have absorbable stitches, they will dissolve on their own. If your stitches are not absorbable, your doctor will remove them in a few days.

Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, it is still surgery. Most patients need to rest a few days or weeks to fully recover before resuming normal activities. Your doctor will provide you with instructions on exercise, bathing and caring for yourself after you go home.

For More Information

For more information about specific types of laparoscopic surgery, please visit the links below:

• Diagnostic Laparoscopic Surgery for Women
• Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)
• Tubal Ligation (sterilization surgery for women)
• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
• Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
• Laparoscopic Splenectomy (spleen removal)

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