Laparoscopic General Surgery
It involves performing operations through small incisions using a laparoscope. This technique has numerous benefits over traditional open surgery.
Key Aspects of Laparoscopic General Surgery
1. Procedure:
Small incisions (usually 0.5 to 1.5 cm) are made in the abdomen.
- A laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light, is inserted through one of the incisions.
Surgeons view the internal organs on a monitor and use specialized instruments inserted through additional small incisions to perform the surgery.
2. Common Procedures:
- Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.
- Appendectomy: Removal of the appendix, typically due to appendicitis.
- Hernia Repair: Fixing hernias in various parts of the abdominal wall.
- Bariatric Surgery: Weight-loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
- Colorectal Surgery: Procedures involving the colon and rectum, such as for diverticulitis.
- Adrenalectomy: Removal of one or both adrenal glands.
- Splenectomy: Removal of the spleen.
3. Advantages:
- Reduced Recovery Time: Patients generally recover faster and have shorter hospital stays.
- Less Pain: Smaller incisions lead to reduced postoperative pain.
- Lower Risk of Infection: Smaller wounds lower the risk of infections.
- Cosmetic Benefits: Smaller scars compared to those from open surgery.
- Quicker Return to Normal Activities: Patients can often return to their daily routines more quickly.