What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery?

Surgery is a stressful prospect for most patients. However, with advancements in medicine, you now have more options than ever, including minimally invasive surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, involves the surgeon exploring your tissues through an incision no larger than a keyhole.

Surgeons use a laparoscope, a slender tube with a camera and a light, allowing them to examine your tissues without the need for a large incision.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of laparoscopic surgery, read on. Our board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Elvira Klause, explains how this technique can make your recovery easier.

Lower risk for complications

One of the most common complications associated with surgery is infection. However, with smaller incisions, your organs are less likely to be exposed to external contaminants.

Blood loss is another common complication in surgeries. Fortunately, smaller incisions significantly reduce the amount of blood lost.

Shorter hospital stay

Smaller incisions could shorten your stay, as suggested by a study that compared the hospital stays of laparoscopic surgery and open wound surgery. According to the study, the average time hospital stay for laparoscopic surgery is about three days, compared to nine days for open wound surgery.

Less scarring

External scarring results from the incisions, while internal scarring, also known as adhesion scarring, is the tissue that sometimes forms between organs, causing them to stick together.

Your body forms scar tissue in response to the trauma of the surgery. This tissue can form even if the organs are not damaged during the surgery, only touched by the surgeon. Unfortunately, adhesion scars can sometimes lead to chronic pain.

Adhesion scars form most commonly in the abdominal area between your intestines and around your reproductive organs.

With laparoscopic surgery, not only is external scarring minimal, but the risk for internal scarring is also significantly reduced.

Less pain during the recovery

Using smaller instruments and a camera enhances visibility and precision, causing less trauma to the tissues. The reduced damage often leads to a smoother, less painful recovery.

Learn whether you’re a good candidate for laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is most commonly used in the abdominal and pelvic areas and can be employed to investigate, diagnose, and treat certain conditions.

A surgeon may use a laparoscope to gather tissue for a biopsy or remove a cyst.

Sometimes, larger incisions are necessary to gain access to certain organs. However, for those who are good candidates for laparoscopic surgery, the benefits are undeniable.