Posted: 2006-07-12

This surgical technique involves visualizing the abdominal contents and internal wall with surgical cameras. Those images are transmitted to screens in the operating room for the surgeon to carry out the desired operation. Since 1988 this technique has grown in popularity around the world and has been perfected to what is today a method of performing a large diversity of operations. Largely supporting this advance has been the constant improvement in instrument technology as well as the growing experience of surgeons. Today these advancements have allowed for highly satisfying results for patients as well as physicians.

Generally the operating cameras are of 10, 5, or 3 mm diameter and subsequently require incisions of equal length in the abdomen. These incisions allow for far less of a surgical wound than has been traditionally used. Normally this type of surgery requires general anesthesia, although some cases may be performed with regional anesthetics also known as spinal blocks commonly used in childbirth. Primary Advantages Less pain, faster recuperation, shorter hospital stays, smaller scars that are cosmetically more desirable, in most cases faster surgery prodedures, less bleeding, and similar costs to open procedures.

Typical Laparoscopic Procedures



a) Cholecystectomy (removal of the gall bladder)

b) Hiatal Hernia repair for Gastroesophageal Reflux

c) Appendectomy (removal of the appendix)



Other Laparscopically done Procedures



a) Gastric Banding for treatment of obesity

b) Gastric Bypass for treatment of obesity

c) Inguinal Hernia repairs

d) Abdominal wall Hernia repairs

e) Small and Large Bowel resections

f) Splenectomy (removal of the spleen)

g) Adrenalectomy (removal of the adrenal glands)

h) Nephrectomy (removal of the kidneys)

i) Many others for the gynecologic, urologic, and digestive systems



While the instrumental technology is important for laparoscopic surgery, even more important to the patient outcome is the training of the staff including: surgeon, anesthesiologist, surgical assistants, and instrument specialists. Laparoscopic surgery represents a very attractive alternative to traditional open operations to such a degree that it now is the first choice for many surgical procedures. While this is true, laparoscopy needs to be evaluated individually for each patient in order to postulate if the advantages of this technique outweigh those of open surgery.  The experience and maturity of the surgical team are major elements to consider when evaluating your surgical options.