When you're suffering from a medical condition that requires surgical treatment, it's helpful to be as informed as possible about your options. This can include everything from getting a second opinion on the best course of action from a specialist to going online and conducting some independent research. If your doctor has recommended that you undergo laparoscopic surgery, know that this method offers a number of benefits over traditional open surgery. Read on to learn more about the important differences.
What is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic is a term that essentially means "minimally-invasive." This specialized surgical technique uses several 0.5 - 1 cm incisions to insert tubular instruments known as trochars through which surgical instruments and a camera are passed. It originated for use in gynecological and gall bladder surgeries, but over the past decade has also grown popular for most intestinal procedures. At the beginning of laparoscopic surgery, typically the abdomen will be inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create space for the surgeon to work and see.
What are the Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery?
The alternative to laparoscopic surgery, open surgery, requires a large incision which cuts through the abdominal wall. This creates the potential for greater amounts of blood loss, pain, and infection than with laparoscopic procedures. With the latter, patients generally experience shorter recovery periods and less scarring as well. This means you will be able to get out of the hospital and resume your normal daily activities sooner.
Is Laparoscopic Surgery Safe?
For the above reasons and more, laparoscopic surgery is the commonly preferred choice over open surgery, though not every patient is an ideal candidate for it. For example, someone who has already had another surgery in the same area may have too much scar tissue built up to allow for minimally-invasive incisions to be effective. A surgeon will inspect the abdomen to determine whether a procedure can be safely performed laparoscopically.
For laparoscopic surgeries in the Buffalo, Amherst, Tonawanda, and Williamsville, NY area, you can trust Amherst Surgical Associates, PC. If you have any further questions about this technique, please feel free to contact our office at (716) 710-8680. Our experienced doctors will always select the proper treatment method for you and your specific medical situation.