Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopy is a type of surgery named after the laparoscope—a slender instrument equipped with a tiny video camera and light at its tip. When a surgeon inserts it through a small incision in your body, they can view the internal organs on a video monitor in real time. Without these tools, a much larger incision would be required. Thanks to these specialized instruments, there’s less cutting involved, and the surgeon doesn’t need to physically reach into your body.
Is a laparoscopy a major surgery?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, but that doesn’t always mean it’s a minor surgery. Many abdominal procedures can be done as laparoscopic surgeries, but they’re still major surgeries. Your surgeon is the best person to tell you if your procedure is a major surgery, how to prepare for it and what to expect during recovery.
What is the difference between laparoscopy and laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is similar to a laparoscopy. But instead of looking for medical problems, your healthcare provider uses a laparoscope and surgical instruments to operate on your internal organs. People often use the terms interchangeably.
Healthcare providers use laparoscopies for many common surgeries. More complicated conditions may require traditional “open” surgery through a larger incision. But healthcare providers prefer laparoscopic surgery for a growing list of everyday operations because it costs less and improves surgical outcomes.
What are the advantages of laparoscopic surgery?
The advantages of having laparoscopic surgery include:
