So, while during an open surgery there are great incisions made in the abdomen so that the organs can be viewed, in laparoscopic surgery the surgeon performs the operation in the abdomen or pelvis through small incisions with the aid of a camera and can see the organs zoomed in up to a screen.
Evolution of Laparoscopic Surgery
The “vision” of performing surgery through a camera, was achieved with the help of technology and science. The key element in laparoscopic surgery is the use of a laparoscope, a long fiber optic cable system which allows viewing of the affected area by snaking the cable from a more distant, but more easily accessible location. In the future, a 3D image will help the surgeons even more when performing a laparoscopic surgery.
How is a Laparoscopy Performed?
Laparoscopy is usually performed through a small incision into the belly button with the patient under general anesthesia in the operating room. A camera is mounted to a long tube about as big around as one’s first finger, which is placed into the incision in the belly button and into the abdominal cavity. Once inside carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is used to expand the abdominal cavity so the internal organs can be visualized. If treatment is necessary one or more smaller incisions can be made near the bikini line. Long instruments with trocars, are placed through these incisions so that tissue can be cut, grasped, removed, or burned. Specialized instruments such as sterile plastic baggies, retractors, or lasers can also be used through these incisions.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Working this way has several advantages compared with traditional surgery.
- Smaller
- Faster recovery
- Minimal blood loss
- You get out of the hospital quicker.
- Fewer hospital costs
- You get back to your normal activities sooner.
- Better internal view of the organs by 10 to 15 times, with better lightening
- You’ll feel less pain while the scars heal, and they heal quicker.
- Minimum chances of heart and congestional complications
- You may have less internal scarring.
- The surgical team is safe from catching a viral infection
- You can help patients in severe health condition
