Advanced laparoscopic surgery is an alternative to operations during which large incisions are made in the body. Instruments and cameras are typically inserted through small holes, often in the abdomen, when this minimally invasive surgery is done. Surgeons generally operate by watching a video screen and by manipulating the instruments externally to complete the procedure. They can operate on the stomach, intestines, kidneys or gallbladder, as well as perform biopsies. Patients of many laparoscopic surgeries often leave the hospital on the same day.
During minimally invasive surgery, several small incisions may be made depending on the type of operation. The internal cavity of the abdomen is usually filled with a gas so that surgeons can see the organs. A camera and surgical tools are typically inserted and then removed when the surgery is over. Major procedures such as cancer surgery, intestinal resection, and gastric bypass can be minimally invasive. The recovery is usually much quicker than other types of surgery and, with smaller incisions, infections are generally less common.
Robotic systems are often used during advanced laparoscopic surgery. Sometimes a few incisions are necessary, but some procedures only require one, in which the camera and instruments are inserted through the bellybutton. Many gastrointestinal procedures can be performed this way, including surgeries to help with weight loss like gastric bypass and partial removal of the stomach. Surgeons often remove the appendix or uterus using this type of surgery as well. Other surgical methods can be combined with this advanced surgery to control blood flow to organs or prevent them from being damaged.
While such advanced treatments are generally safer for patients, there are risks such as infection and bleeding. Sometimes people get fever, swelling, and pain, or experience vomiting. Obesity, prior surgeries in the same area, and hemorrhaging can complicate the surgery or disqualify someone from undergoing the procedure. Advanced laparoscopic surgery is generally not recommended for those with bleeding problems, tuberculosis, or certain types of abdominal cancer.
In addition to the gastrointestinal and urinary systems, advanced laparoscopic surgery can be used for examining tumors, injuries, and infections. Sometimes it is done to assess a reason for abdominal pain. The operation can be done as an alternative to computerized tomography (CT) and x-rays when external scans can’t determine the problem. These procedures can also be used in conjunction with advanced laparoscopic surgery, as can ultrasound, angiograms, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).