What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive way to do many procedures that were once only possible using invasive, open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is often preferred because it results in shorter recoveries and hospital stays and a faster return to everyday life. 

During a laparoscopic procedure, your surgeon uses a laparoscope, a slender tube affixed with a small camera. The camera fits through tiny incisions to project an image of the surgical area onto a screen in the operating room.

Using the magnified view of the operating site, the surgeon uses tiny instruments to work within these tiny incisions to complete various procedures.

Why would I consider laparoscopic surgery?

The advantages laparoscopic surgery offers over traditional open surgery include:

• Smaller incisions
• Shorter recovery times
• Less pain
• Lower risk of complications
• Minimal scarring
• Less bleeding
• Shorter hospital stays

The surgical team at One Surgical Specialists offers the latest in laparoscopic technologies to eligible patients. Not all procedures can be done using laparoscopic techniques, however. Your surgeon carefully evaluates your case to determine what surgical approach is best for you.

Why might I need laparoscopic surgery?

You can require laparoscopic surgery for many reasons. Your surgeon might recommend it for:

• GERD surgery and reinforcement of your esophageal sphincter
• Colon resection
• Pancreatic or spleen surgery
• Bariatric surgery
• Hernia repair
• Gallbladder removal
• Stomach surgery

Laparoscopic surgery can also be done as a diagnostic procedure if you have unusual abdominal pain, an abdominal mass, or fluid present in the abdominal cavity.

How should I prepare for laparoscopic surgery?

The providers at One Surgical Specialists provide you with a complete list of pre-surgery instructions. You’ll need to stop taking medications that could interfere with the anesthetic and must not eat or drink after midnight the day before your procedure. If you have questions, reach out to the One Surgical Associates staff for clarification.

What is recovery like after laparoscopic surgery?

After laparoscopic surgery, you are monitored to ensure that your vital signs are normal as you come out of the anesthetic. Depending on how invasive your procedure was, you could spend 1-2 nights in the hospital or go home the same day to recover.

Following your surgery, follow the post-surgical instructions provided by the One Surgical Associates staff. Avoid all strenuous activity, including heavy lifting, until your doctor has cleared you.