Explaining Laparoscopic, Minimally Invasive Surgery

Explaining Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally Invasive Surgery

Thoughts of gaping, open incisions, uncomfortable staples, stitches, pain, immobility and a long recovery time strikes fear in most patients scheduled for traditional, invasive, open procedure surgery.

With laparoscopic surgery, things are much different. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive surgery and it is being used for many surgeries including liver, kidney, pancreatic, gallbladder and abdominal surgeries. Previously, these 'big' surgeries required wide-open incisions.

The very small incision required to perform laparoscopic surgery is usually less than ½ inch. Patients experience less post-operative discomfort due to the small incisions. They also have much quicker recovery times, shorter hospitalizations, much smaller scars with less subsequent scarring and earlier return to full activities compared to open surgical procedure patients.

Laparoscopic surgery is performed with the assistance of a video camera and special, much thinner instruments that are passed through plastic tubes called ports which are introduced through the very small incision into the body. The camera takes pictures of the inside organs which are transmitted to a television monitor. The camera becomes the surgeon's eyes and he uses the monitor to perform the procedure.

In open incision surgeries, the surgeon places his hands inside the abdominal cavity to perform the necessary procedures during surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon uses hand-access devices from outside the abdominal cavity to do the surgery.

A new computer-assisted robotic system has recently been developed to help the surgeon expand his capabilities by allowing greater precision and visualization during laparoscopic surgery. This robotic system is called DaVinci and surgeries are performed without direct mechanical connection between the surgeon and the patient.

The surgeon works at a computer console located a few feet from the operating table. He operates two master controls that are similar to joysticks to control the arms on the robot which are equipped with specialized instruments. The video camera provides high resolution, high magnification and depth perception and the console offers a three-dimensional view of the operating field.

Laparoscopic surgery is as safe as traditional surgery, but all surgeries have risks of complications. You should discuss your individual risks with your surgeon before making any decisions about your procedure.

Sources:

http://www.fascrs.org/patients/treatments_and_screenings/laparoscopic_surgery/