What is Laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery (‘keyhole’ or ‘minimally invasive’ surgery) is the technique of performing surgery through multiple small incisions, rather than one large incision
Through these small incisions, ‘ports’ are placed to pass a telescope, light source, and instruments, and carbon dioxide is used to inflate an operating ‘workspace’.
Advantages
- Reduces pain and shortens the recovery associated with traditional open surgery
- Close up magnified view of internal organs
- Reduced blood loss
- Less post-operative pain
- No large scar – better cosmetic result
Disadvantages
- May take longer to perform
- Requires specialist training
