What are the Most Common Laparoscopy Procedures?

Laparoscopic methods are a safer and less invasive way for doctors to treat certain medical conditions. Many surgeons perform these operations frequently, with the most common laparoscopy procedures being gallbladder removal, stomach surgery, and gynecological treatment. Patients often prefer this technique because they do not need as much time to recover and there are usually not as many complications.

A cholecystectomy, also known as laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, is probably the most widely performed of the many laparoscopy procedures. Individuals may need to have their gallbladder taken out due to frequent gallbladder attacks or gallstones. The surgeon will create a tiny incision in the lower part of the stomach to insert the laparoscope, which has a camera and light on it. The doctor will also make an incision at the top part of the stomach near the rib cage in order to remove the gallbladder. Most patients go home the same day and are usually able to resume normal activities after about a week.

Women who suffer from severe endometriosis often end up undergoing laparoscopy procedures in order to remove the tissue. Doctors typically use the laparoscopic camera to look at the inside of the pelvic area and the organs. If the surgeon sees signs of endometriosis or cysts, he may remove the diseased tissue by cutting it or using a laser to kill the cells. While this procedure works for some people, others could have a recurrence of the endometriosis and might need surgery in the future.

Appendectomies are some of the other common laparoscopy procedures that patients have every year. People who have this surgery may have appendicitis or a ruptured appendix that requires emergency surgery. In the past, individuals who needed to have their appendix removed usually stayed in the hospital for about a week and often had large surgical scars due to the invasive operation. The laparoscopic appendectomy is a lot less dangerous, leaves little scarring, and patients are generally discharged within two days.

Many women have laparoscopic procedures for tubal ligations. Sometimes women will opt to have their tubes "tied" after having difficult pregnancies or as a method of birth control. Doctors use laparoscopic instruments, which allow them to see the fallopian tubes. The surgeon will then block the end of the fallopian tube by using silicone rings, cauterization, or by tying a small section of the tubes. After having the surgery, some women may experience cramping or bleeding for a short time.

Gastric band surgery is another popular laparoscopy procedure. During this operation, the patient's stomach is made smaller by the placement of a band around the organ. The surgeon uses the laparoscopic video camera to guide him while making a small pouch inside the upper portion of the stomach. After the operation, individuals have to reduce how much they eat and return for follow-up care with their doctors.